Eriksen: "The free kick was perfect for me, I'm delighted"

MILAN - “It was the perfect free kick for me.” This was Christian Eriksen’s summary of his 97th-minute winner from the Coppa Italia derby on Tuesday, a magical right-footed strike that secured Inter’s spot in the semi-final.

In bagging his fifth goal for the Nerazzurri, he broke three-year drought for Inter, who had previously failed to score a free kick since April 2018, when Cancelo netted against Cagliari at San Siro. There have been 55 attempts since that day, including one from Eriksen himself during last season’s Derby which cannoned off the crossbar. However, this time round it was faultless.

“I’m really happy,” said Eriksen. “I always look to get the most out of the minutes I have available and I’m pleased to have scored from this free kick, it was perfect for me.

“We knew that it would be a difficult match, the intensity is high in Derbies. It was tough, but we’re pleased to reach the next round. I dedicate this victory to my newborn daughter, my family and all of the fans.”