Inter Milan Triumphs in Feyenoord Away Victory
Inter Milan secured a crucial 2-0 win against Feyenoord at De Kuip, a victory that has bolstered their confidence heading into the second leg of their Champions League match. Manager Simone Inzaghi, known for his tactical acumen and motivational prowess, was brimming with pride following the game. Speaking to the media, the 48-year-old expressed his deep satisfaction with the team’s collective effort. "They were great, it wasn’t easy in this stadium. They gave us a huge boost, we knew we had to suffer. We were united and played a great game," Inzaghi stated. This win comes as a welcome uplift after the team’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Napoli in the Serie A last weekend, a result that left many questioning the team’s form.
Overcoming Early Hurdles
Despite some early mistakes, Inter quickly regained control of the game. The team’s resilience and composure were evident, as they managed to impose their style of play. The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Marcus Thuram broke the deadlock with a well-placed shot, giving Inter a much-needed lead. The momentum shifted entirely in Inter’s favor at the start of the second half when Lautaro Martinez, known affectionately as El Toro, doubled the score. This goal was particularly significant as it made Martinez Inter’s all-time top goalscorer in the Champions League, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. "We got into the right shape, and the two goals made our job easier. We won the first half," Inzaghi noted, emphasizing the impact of these crucial moments.
The Unwavering Trust in Key Players
When asked about his confidence in players like Kristjan Asllani and Piotr Zielinski, Inzaghi was unequivocal in his support. "Absolutely, I had no doubts about them. As a coach, I’m here to make choices, and they played a great game," he remarked. Inzaghi’s trust in his squad is a reflection of his belief in their abilities and the depth of the team. Despite the rigors of a demanding schedule, which includes another league game before the second leg, Inzaghi remains optimistic. "We’re happy to play all these games, let’s keep going," he encouraged. His positive attitude and unwavering support are crucial in maintaining the team’s morale and focus.
Alessandro Bastoni’s Stellar Performance
One of the standout performances of the night was that of Alessandro Bastoni. Inzaghi was particularly proud of his left-back, praising his versatility and commitment to the team. "Bastoni really served the team, he played an excellent match alternating with Acerbi on that left side. We’re talking about a world-class defender who understood the team’s needs, and that’s exactly what we coaches want," Inzaghi said. Bastoni’s ability to adapt and excel in different roles highlights his importance to the team and underscores the strength of Inter’s defensive line.
Acknowledging Feyenoord’s Quality
While basking in the glory of the win, Inzaghi also paid tribute to the quality of their opponents. "The opponent was of quality, they had four attackers with Paixao as a trequartista. We didn’t circulate the ball well, but we know that in stadiums like this you can suffer," he acknowledged. Inzaghi’s respect for Feyenoord’s tactical setup and their ability to disrupt Inter’s build-up play in the early stages of the game highlights the competitiveness of the match. Despite the challenges, Inter’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity was a key factor in their victory.
Looking Forward to the Second Leg
As the team prepares for the second leg at San Siro, Inzaghi is keen to keep the focus on the task at hand. "On Tuesday, we have the second leg at San Siro," he reminded, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming match. While the result at De Kuip is a significant advantage, Inzaghi is cautious and determined to ensure his team remains focused and disciplined. "We continue like this because we are judged every two and a half days," he added, highlighting the relentless nature of the football calendar. Inzaghi’s approach is a blend of confidence and pragmatism, traits that have served him and Inter Milan well in their recent successes.
