Whatever Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi had said or done during the halftime break against Benfica worked, as his side prevented a blow ahead of Sunday’s clash against Napoli.
The manager trusted his substitutes in the Champions League encounter against the Portuguese giants. The Nerazzurri had already qualified for the round of the 16 in the previous round.
However, this strategy initially backfired with Joao Mario scoring three goals in the first half against his former club.
Nevertheless, the Serie A side mounted a brilliant comeback to finish the match 3-3. Nicolo Barella almost scored the winner in added time but saw his shot rattle the post.
Despite rescuing a point, Inter still need a victory against Real Sociedad to finish on top of the group.
Nevertheless, La Gazzetta dello Sport (via FcInter1908) highlights the importance of the draw from a psychological standpoint.
The Pink newspaper wonders what Inzaghi may have said or done during the halftime break, as his men managed to redeem themselves after the interval.
Inter Milan Coach Simone Inzaghi Avoids Demoralizing UCL Defeat Before Important Napoli Clash
The source notes that the entire team who have been under heavy criticism had they suffered a defeat in Lisbon.
Therefore, avoiding a loss in the Champions League allows the Nerazzurri to prepare for the upcoming clash against Napoli while enjoying a more serene atmosphere.
The Partenopei and their returning manager Walter Mazzarri will host Inter at the Maradona Stadium on Sunday evening.
This will be the league leader’s second major Serie A showdown in a row after last week’s Derby d’Italia against Juventus. Inzaghi’s men returned with a 1-1 draw.
