Inzaghi: "Our fate is in our own hands now"

TIRASPOL – It was mission accomplished for Simone Inzaghi's Inter in Transnistria, as they return to Milan with three points in the bag. The Nerazzurri repeated the 3-1 scoreline from the reverse fixture in San Siro a few weeks ago to move up onto seven points in Group D, ahead of Sheriff and behind Real Madrid.

Lautaro Martinez hit the woodwork in the first half before second-half strikes by Marcelo Brozovic, Milan Skriniar and Alexis Sanchez were followed by a late consolation goal by Adama Traore for the hosts.

"We've fixed the group standings and now our fate is in our own hands,” the Nerazzurri boss commented after the final whistle. “After having 13 shots in the first half, the lads might have lost their way but they stuck to the game plan and made a difficult match look easy. We've beaten a team that overcame Real in Madrid. This victory strengthens our self-belief."

There's no rest for the wicked with Sunday's Milan derby already looming large on the horizon. 

“We know what sort of game to expect – the derby means so much to the fans and the club. We have to make the most of these three days to prepare for it properly. It's a long, difficult journey to get here but we like to be involved in these matches. Now we'll focus on recovering our physical and mental energy.”