Inter must not develop an inferiority complex with Juventus following last night’s Coppa Italia exit, according to the Nerazzurri’s former defender Beppe Bergomi.
Antonio Conte’s side were unable to complete a comeback in their semi-final second leg in Turin, being held to a goalless draw which knocked them out of the competition.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Bergomi encouraged his former side to keep believing in themselves despite their disappointing elimination.
“Inter must realise how strong they are, they were knocked out by Juventus but I thought it was a very even tie,” he argued.
“They paid for their cheap mistakes in the first leg which put Juventus in a position to be able to defend their lead, which they did well.
“Now the Nerazzurri must resume their league campaign without losing their cool and fight for the Serie A title until the end.”
Samir Handanovic was one of Inter’s best players at the Allianz Stadium, producing three impressive saves to deny Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Slovenian has become a much-maligned figure with supporters following a string of poor performances this season, but Bergomi spoke out in his defence.
“Handanovic has had two good performances in a row,” he said, referring to the 36-year-old’s display in last Friday’s 2-0 win at Fiorentina.
“He’s a great professional and has responded well to the criticism he was receiving.”
The post-match fallout in Turin was dominated by the bitter spat between Antonio Conte and Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, who reportedly called Conte a ‘d***h***’ following the final whistle.
They were not the only two involved in skirmishes last night, however, as the two sides renewed their poisonous rivalry which stems back decades.
“It all started in the 1960s,” Bergomi recalled, when asked about the historic animosity between Inter and Juve.
“This is what the players of the Grande Inter told me, for them Juventus were always their great opponent.
“There is always tension.
“Regardless of what happened in this match, sometimes the benches exaggerate by behaving in a certain way.
“I think it is right to cheer for teammates, but with respect for others and I say this not only in reference to this match.”
With Inter now out of the Coppa Italia, the only competition they remain in is the league and unlike those around them, they do not have European football to worry about either meaning they can completely focus on Serie A.