Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi is extremely pleased with how midfielder Kristjan Asllani performed against Fiorentina this evening.

The Nerazzurri coach praised the 21-year-old’s display whilst speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews, after the match.

Asllani made his first Serie A start of the season against Fiorentina this evening.

The former Empoli midfielder played in the absence of Hakan Calhanoglu, who was suspended.

It was certainly not an easy match for Asllani to play in. Fiorentina played an intense, high-tempo match and at times threatened to overrun Inter in midfielder.

But the Albanian international held his own.

Asllani showed his composure in possession to keep the ball moving and slow things down on a number of occasion.

And the 21-year-old also had quite a bit of defensive work to do.

This was no problem for Asllani, and the young midfielder popped up with some vital blocks and interception, showing no fear as he put his body on the line to disrupt Fiorentina’s momentum.

Inter Coach Inzaghi Praises Asllani Performance Vs Fiorentina

Of Asllani’s performance, Inzaghi said that “Kristjan did brilliantly. But I never had any doubts.”

“I had doubts about whether he would have been willing to stay another year playing behind Calhanoglu,” the coach continued.

“But he is 100% a part of the group.”

“He always trains well,” Inzaghi said of Asllani.

“I’m fortunate to have a player who’s always like that.”

“I’m happy that he made an assist,” the Inter coach continued. “He played very well for 95 minutes.”

Inzaghi noted that “It’s been a long time since he’s done that. And that’s a testament to the way he trains.”

Inzaghi noted that “We had some other opportunities to score more.”

“Terracciano did well on one. And then on some others, we could have had more quality.”

“But I can’t say anything to the guys,” the Inter coach added. “Just congratulate them. It’s not easy to come to Florence and win.”

And as far as whether he had one eye on next weekend’s match against Juventus, Inzaghi said “No, I was thinking about tonight’s match.”

“We just keep our eyes on whatever match is next. We work one day at a time.”

On Penalty Area Controversies

There were also a few penalty area controversies, including a potential foul in the buildup to Inter’s goal and the penalty that Fiorentina were awarded.

“They took a long time because they had to look carefully,” Inzaghi said of the decisions.

“Then, regardless of whether the penalty was awarded or not, it’s right to accept what they decide.”

The Nerazzurri coach argued that “The referee handled the match very well.”

“And then there are three other men on the pitch, and two in the VAR room, who have to make difficult decisions in a very short amount of time.”

And Inzaghi also gave his reaction to some recent jibes by Juventus coach Max Allegri.

“They don’t bother me at all,” the Inter coach said. “I’m very calm.”

“From Tuesday on I’ll think about Juve,” he added. “An opponent we have to be at our best against.”