Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi is proud to have guided his team to the point where they are the form team in Serie A and top of the table.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN after the Nerazzurri’s 1-0 win over Torino this evening, the coach emphasized that he and the team had to work hard to get to the point of being considered Scudetto favourites.
Inter had a turbulent summer which saw the departures of head coach Antonio Conte as well as key players Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku as well the the loss of midfielder Christian Eriksen due to health problems.
However, this campaign Inzaghi has guided the team past a few early wobbles to their best form of the campaign, and they have surged to the top of the table.
No matter what the outcomes of Milan and Napoli’s matches this evening are, the Nerazzurri are guaranteed to head into the winter break at least four points clear at the top of the table after their gritty win over Torino.
“We played an important game,” Inzaghi said of the win, “we did well in preparing for it, we were aware of their ferocious pressing.
“We knew they would look to break up play but we had an excellent match, we risked little to nothing.”
He went on that “We didn’t manage to score the second goal, clearly that would have been better, but we are very satisfied with the way we finished this year.
“Now let’s get our physical and mental energy back before we return.”
About how the season is comparing to his expectations, Inzaghi stated that “I was very hopeful when I joined, then after fifteen days I met the squad, then waited for the returns from the national teams and I was very confident.”
“Now it is easy for everyone to say that Inter are a juggernaut and the favourites for the title,” he went on, “but I remember that in July that’s not what people were saying.”
“The guys have done well and we must take this as motivation to keep pushing further,” he went on.
He said that being the reigning Italian champions has helped the team “A lot, undoubtedly, and the club has done well to be prepared for everything.”
“We brought in top-quality players who were very suitable for my style of football,” he continued, “and we took advantage of the groundwork already here while also putting our own spin on it.”
“And each coach has their own methods and ideas,” he added.
Regarding the win over Torino he stated that “We risked little to nothing. Winning and having these key moments helps, we know we are in good form and the team did well on the pitch.”
On how perception of Inter has changed this season, the coach stated that “Beyond being ‘winter champions’ and our winning streak, I was confident because the team has always been good on the pitch, they have worked very hard to execute the ideas of me and my staff.”
“There was a gap in the table and of course we are now happy,” he continued but we know that there is still a long journey ahead of us with many potential pitfalls.”
He continued that “For now we’re enjoying this good form but I can say that all the way from the beginning we have been confident. I have great players who have managed to overturn the gap and build up a deficit in a month and a half.”
Of his Christmas holidays Inzaghi stated that “My gift will be to be with my family, because unfortunately even though we are privileged, many times we neglect our loved ones, who are the most important thing we have.”
On who the Nerazzurri consider to be their main rivals, Inzaghi stated that “I think we have to focus on ourselves and out journey.”
“Just look at tonight’s match,” he added. “Torino came here and played courageously trying to give us a tough time. Every match is very challenging, not just the big head-to-heads.”
