Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi feels that midfielder Nicolo Barella was “honourable” to apologize for a reaction against Genoa.
The Nerazzurri coach praised Barella’s apology for what was perceived as a dive against the Grifone in a press conference after his team beat Bologna, as reported by FCInterNews. The coach also explained why Lautaro Martinez was rested against the Rossoblu.
Inter midfielder Barella was at the centre of a controversial incident during Monday’s match between Inter and Genoa.
During that match, the Nerazzurri won a penalty.
The goal that came from the spot proved to be decisive in a 2-1 win for Inter.
However, replays suggested that the penalty should not have been given. The challenge by Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup on Barella looked to be a fair one, as certain angles clearly showed that the Norwegian won the ball.
Moreover, there was a suggestion that Barella’s reaction to the challenge influenced the referee’s decision.
The Italian international rolled theatrically on the ground after the challenge.
Whilst there was some contact from the Genoa player, the reaction did appear disproportionate.
Inter Coach Inzaghi Praises Nicolo Barella Apology For Genoa Reaction: ‘Honourable Gesture’
Barella apologized for the way he reacted to the challenge during the match against Genoa.
The midfielder’s coach said that “Personally, we hadn’t talked about it.”
“But this gesture from him is very honourable,” he added. “I’ll give him my compliments.”
Of the win over Bologna, Inzaghi said that “The credit goes to the guys.”
“But I was quite confident, because they trained in the best way possible on Thursday and Friday.”
“We faced a team of the highest quality, who hadn’t lost here at home since August 18th,” Inzaghi noted.
“But we played a great match as a team.”
And Inzaghi also explained why Inter captain Lautaro Martinez did not play a single minute against Bologna.
“Lautaro would like to play all the time,” the coach noted.
“But he’s one of those players who needed a complete period of rest.”
“And then we as coaches always have to make a lot of decisions,” Inzaghi said.
“I had been deciding between Sanchez and Arnautovic right up until just before the match,” he added. “We still have a lot of matches left to go, and we have to make the most of the players we have.”
