Inzaghi: “A real test of character”

MILAN - Inter came from behind to seal a crucial victory in dramatic fashion against Empoli on Friday night. There were no less than 37 shots by the Nerazzurri, who showed incredible desire to come back from a dismal start. Simone Inzaghi’s men found themselves two goals behind on 28 minutes after Andrea Pinamonti and Kristjan Asllani gave the away side the lead. However, Inter managed to draw the game level just before half time, thanks to an own goal by Simone Romagnoli and Lautaro Martinez’s equaliser. It was El Toro again who put the Nerazzurri in front in the second half, before Alexis Sanchez’s tap-in in the dying seconds drew this incredible match to a close. Inter came away with a 4-2 victory after a spirited performance.

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi shared his thoughts on the team’s start to the match with DAZN after the game. “I congratulated the players because we faced up to a real test from a good team, aside from the first 25 minutes, when we were too hasty against a side who were playing well. A team like us should not concede two goals like that, but I understand that the players wanted to do well straight away in front of this crowd. We lost our shape and you can’t do that against Empoli. We got carried away with our desire to score straight away. We should have been more organised without the ball and unfortunately, we paid a heavy price for two lapses in concentration, but we did really well after that. We took 37 shots, which I think must be a record. It was a real test of character. Now we need to regain our strength and energy because another huge game awaits us on Wednesday.”

He hopes this win will give his side more confidence as they move forward. “This win gives us a real boost for what comes next. This team has been going strong from 20 August. We’ve progressed in all competitions and given so much. There are three games left and this comeback against an organised side, who played really well, is a great sign.”

The Nerazzurri face Juventus in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday at the Stadio Olimpico. “We’ve got five days to prepare for a really important game for us. The match today was very intense because Empoli made us run a lot, especially when we didn’t have possession. We need to recover well because at this final stage of the season, that’s what will make the difference.”