Achraf Hakimi has shared his delight with Inter’s qualification to the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia which has come as a result of a 2-1 win over Fiorentina after extra-time earlier on today.
The score was 1-1 after 90 minutes and a late Romelu Lukaku header in the second period of extra-time split the sides come the end of the match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Arturo Vidal had given Antonio Conte’s side the lead courtesy of a first-half penalty before Christian Kouame equalised on the hour mark.
“We had the goal of qualifying and we are very happy to have achieved it,” Hakimi gladly told Inter’s official club broadcaster Inter TV following the full-time whistle in Florence.
“Today we knew it was going to be difficult, we had to do well, it was a matter of life or death.”
The Moroccan national team wing-back then shared some brief thoughts on this weekend’s Derby d’Italia clash at home to Juventus.
“Now we have to recover for the match with Juve, which we hope to win.”
By beating Fiorentina today, Inter have set-up a quarterfinal date with city rivals AC Milan and Hakimi has pointed out that it will be similar to the match just played in a sense.
“It will be a difficult game, they are doing very well.
“It will also be a matter of life or death there, but our goal is to reach the final and win.”
In conclusion, Hakimi shared his delight with teammate Arturo Vidal finally opening his scoring account with Inter after he converted the spot-kick following Pietro Terracciano’s foul on Alexis Sanchez.
“I am happy that he has got a goal, he is a very important player.
“I hope it is the first of many goals for him.
“He has received a lot of criticism but he is a very strong player.”
