Inzaghi happy to record back - to - back wins

MILAN – Simone Inzaghi admitted he was happy to see Inter rediscover a touch of consistency after his team built on last week's win over Juventus with a 2-0 defeat of Verona.

First-half strikes by Nicolo Barella and Edin Dzeko secured the points which took the Nerazzurri to within a point of leaders AC Milan.

"We prepared really well for this game because we knew how good Verona were,” the coach began. “After us they have the second-best attack, together with Lazio.

“We were excellent in the first half. We controlled the game and created several chances. We played the way we needed to play and we've sent out a message with this result after last week's win in Turin. There are lots of games still to go but this was an important result today.”

The coach explained his decision to start with Federico Dimarco in the back three. 

“He's a player who adds a lot to the team with his skills. [Alessandro] Bastoni has been playing lots recently and as the coach I have to make decisions based on the quality of the squad available to me. We decided this was the right game for Federico and he did well."

Inzaghi also reiterated that his confidence in the team has never wavered.

“I've always believed in these players and we have our fans behind us again now – and they really did drive us on today. The mental aspect is so important. We had a hectic run of games and when results weren't coming for us it became tough mentally and we weren't able to play the way we were before. It's happened to all the teams. 

“We wanted to build on last week's all-important victory over Juventus and we did that today against a quality side who have caused all sorts of problems for lots of teams this season.”

The boss went on to discuss Joaquin Correa's substitution.

"[Robin] Gosens is improving. He's training well but he needs playing time and [Ivan] Perisic is in great shape at the moment. Correa had taken a knock and wasn't running well and I didn't want him to get injured after putting in a decent 60 minutes. Taking Perisic off wouldn't have been the right move because he had lots left in the tank and was stretching the opposition. That's why I decided to put Gosens on the left and push Ivan up.”

Inzaghi ended with a look ahead to the season run-in.

“Winning in Turin was obviously a massive morale boost. I know how much the lads want to get back on top. There are seven games left to play and we're going to have to fight in every one because they're all tough in Serie A.”