Simone Inzaghi: A Prideful Coach Amidst an Injury Crisis
Inter Milan’s victory against Lazio on a night that saw the San Siro burst into celebration was not without its challenges. Despite the clear-cut 2-0 win, powered by second-half goals from Marko Arnautovic and Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi had to navigate a daunting injury crisis. Speaking to Sport Mediaset via FCInterNews, Inzaghi expressed both pride and concern, highlighting the resilience of his squad even as he provided a worrying fitness update. The team is looking forward to their next big test, a crucial Serie A away game against Napoli, but first, they must contend with the absence of key players and the physical toll of the match.
The Match: Overcoming Early Struggles
Inzaghi was unequivocal in his praise for the team’s performance: “Absolutely. We played a fantastic match against a top-level opponent.” The first half, however, was marked by struggles as Lazio put up a strong resistance. Inter Milan risked falling behind, but they maintained their composure, a trait Inzaghi values deeply. “In the first half, we struggled, but we never lost our composure,” he said. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Marko Arnautovic netted a crucial goal, shifting the momentum in Inter’s favor. “We broke the deadlock with Arnautovic’s great goal,” Inzaghi noted with evident satisfaction. The second half saw a tactical shift, driven by necessity, but the changes paid off as Hakan Calhanoglu sealed the victory with another goal.
Focus on the Next Challenge
With the win behind them, Inter Milan will now turn their attention to their fierce rivals AC Milan, whom they will face for the fourth time this season. However, the immediate concern is the upcoming Serie A away game against Napoli. “We’ll think about them later; we take things one match at a time,” Inzaghi stated, emphasizing his team’s need to stay focused on the immediate task. The injury situation has added to the team’s woes, particularly with Matteo Darmian coming off in the first half. Denzel Dumfries stepped in to fill the gap, but the squad is already stretched thin. “We know we’re struggling on the flanks, especially with Carlos Augusto out,” Inzaghi acknowledged. The coach’s pragmatism is clear as he prepares his team for the formidable challenge ahead.
The Fitness Update: Pain and Perseverance
The injury crisis at San Siro took center stage as Inzaghi provided an update on two crucial players, Mehdi Taremi and Davide Frattesi. Both players were on painkillers during the match, a decision that underscores the team’s determination to overcome adversity. “Frattesi and Taremi had serious issues and played through painkillers, but they never hesitated,” Inzaghi explained. The commitment of these players is a testament to the spirit of the squad. Taremi, an Iran star, and Frattesi, an Italy talent, are vital to Inter’s lineup, and their ability to perform under such conditions is a significant morale boost for the team. Inzaghi’s respect for their dedication is palpable, and he hopes their injuries are not too severe to impact the upcoming matches.
Martinez’s Performance and Sommer’s Absence
Josep Martinez’s performance in goal was another highlight of the match, especially given that Yann Sommer is still recovering from thumb surgery. “He’s a great goalkeeper. The club presented him to me along with three other options,” Inzaghi said, praising Martinez’s composure and skill. Martinez had a stellar season with Genoa, and his integration into Inter has been seamless. “He had a fantastic season with Genoa. Right now, he has Sommer ahead of him, who’s having an excellent campaign,” Inzaghi added. The coach has considered giving Martinez more playing time, but he’s cautious, ensuring that the young goalkeeper is not rushed. “I’ve considered giving him his debut multiple times, but without rushing, because I knew he’d do well,” Inzaghi explained, underscoring his trust in Martinez’s abilities.
Arnautovic’s Impact: Tactical Mastery and Execution
Marko Arnautovic’s goal was a pivotal moment in the match, and Inzaghi was quick to credit the player’s preparation and execution. “This morning, we worked on set pieces. If Lazio had kept their players high, he would have needed to step up and mark them,” the coach said. Arnautovic’s goal was a product of the team’s strategic planning, and Inzaghi’s tactical acumen played a crucial role. “And that’s exactly what he did. We know his shooting ability, and we positioned him accordingly,” Inzaghi added, highlighting the synergy between the coaching staff and the players. Arnautovic’s contribution not only secured a win but also bolstered the team’s confidence as they head into the crucial away game against Napoli.
