Inter coach Simone Inzaghi insisted that he was satisfied with his side’s performance in their narrow 1-0 win over Hellas Verona in Serie A yesterday.
The Nerazzurri overcame their relegation-threatened opponents at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza thanks to an early goal from Lautaro Martinez, as they moved level on points with third-place Juventus and just a point behind AC Milan in second.
Speaking in his press conference after the match, and as reported by FCInterNews.it, Inzaghi declared himself content with the win, and refused to be drawn on refereeing performances after a Martinez goal was ruled out, just a week on from a controversial disallowed goal against Monza.
“The opponent stimulates you but for tonight’s match I am satisfied, all matches are challenging,” the former Lazio coach claimed.
“We were engaged in midweek with extra time, a lot of energy was expended, I also have limited rotation options, but the team were organised and concentrated, we scored a goal right away and had another one that was then taken away.
“The team remained focused against a solid opponent and even tonight they gave us a hard time.
“I promised myself after what happened in Monza not to talk about it anymore, then I’ll look at the episodes in more detail.”
Roberto Gagliardini was afforded a rare league start and hinted after the match that he would seek more playing time elsewhere when his Inter contract expires in the summer, but Inzaghi was only focused on his performance against Verona.
“The important thing is that he does well, today he was a serious professional, he works well, he has had a few little problems in recent years but he has always gritted his teeth and made a great contribution.”
Finally, Inzaghi appeared to have been preparing to send defender Stefan De Vrij on as a substitute late on, before opting for midfielder Valentin Carboni, and explained his decision as being due to concerns over centre-back Alessandro Bastoni.
“Two minutes earlier Bastoni had covered the pitch and he looked tired, but then I spoke to the lad, he was fine and I changed my mind,” Inzaghi stated.
Inter must now turn their attention to the Supercoppa Italiana, as they face AC Milan in Riyadh on Wednesday.
