Inzaghi: "Magnificent journey: we’ll finish the climb before looking at the view”

Monday 22 April at 20:45 CEST, Inter will face AC Milan on Matchday 33 od Serie A. From the Suning Training Centre in Appiano Gentile, Simone Inzaghi was live in a press conference:

What is the feeling on the eve of the derby?

“The derby is always the derby, there is a really good feeling, we have worked hard and well because tomorrow could be a special day for the entire Inter family. We still have to train today and tomorrow to best prepare and to play a good derby”.

How are the final hours going?

“We spoke with the lads about what we’re doing, we have been on an incredible journey, it has been a wonderful ride, we aren’t treating it like an obsession. Tomorrow may be the big day, we hope so and we’re working hard to make it so, but it isn’t an obsession, we have done what we’ve had to so since 13 July. We have had a dominating campaign with many threats, now the climb is about to finish and we want to look around at the view, let’s hope it arrives tomorrow but we know what we have done”.

What does it mean to play a derby for the Scudetto, will it be different? 

“There is a lot at stake, we have won the last five derbies and that has brought us great joy, but those count for nothing tomorrow. What counts will be how we are on the pitch, against the second-placed side who play at home and will try to make the game difficult for us”. 

Calhanoglu said that the side has improved, but above all else, you have also improved. What is better? 

“I can only thank the people around me, firstly my players and then my staff who have been with me for many years and have helped me a lot on this journey. Then, there is a great Club behind us, starting from the president, Marotta, Ausilio, Baccin, Ferri and all the others, with whom we face problems united to find the best solution. I won’t forget anything about this journey, I’m thinking about the final in Istanbul, a wonderful moment but a defeat, or at San Siro against Sampdoria two years ago and our fans who wiped our tears away. Today, there are many of them here and we will go to greet them. When you reach important milestones, it is thanks to everyone. We are working well on timing and really strong, better if it’s tomorrow, but it’s not an obsession for us”

We have seen Inter play unlike for many years, a cohesive group and extraordinary atmosphere: what makes you most proud?

“Victories and trophies mean a lot, but I am happy with the synergy created between Club and fans, I’ve lived in Milan for three years and after three months, those who I met gave me compliments for how we were playing. It is the greatest compliment for me, alongside the trophies we have won”.

How would you summarise these years? 

“They have been three intense years, a lot has been won but we have never for one second given up, we have always worked in the same way. The only thing that I can do is work hard alongside my staff, I have spent three years with great players. I think about them all, from the first year to now: those who we have lost have also contributed to us reaching this point”.

How much would you like to keep working with this group? 

“I listened to the words of the president and it was very kind, but not a surprise. I have a great relationship with him, I can only thank him for how he has behaved with me, even in more difficult moments. He is one of the most winning presidents in the history of Inter and he deserves it for his passion: now, however, we need to think about one goal, the future will follow, I am calm because I am under a management with very very competent people”.

Can the squad continue this run? 

“Absolutely, the run must continue, if this trophy is the sixth in three years, the run must continue. We know that each season is different from the last, but the management are already making moves so that the run can continue, our thoughts are on the current season”.

A word on Stefano Pioli at the moment.

“He is a good coach and a great person, we worked together at Lazio and he was always there. He has had a good journey with AC Milan, I wish him the best from Tuesday onwards”.

Lautaro hasn’t scored since 28 February: how is he?

“He has worked well, he’s fed by goals like all forwards. He is focused, there have been international breaks, pauses, and suspensions, this is why he hasn’t played so much, but he is motivated and doing very well.

Do you consider your time at Inter a gift?  

“Yes absolutely, it has been a great journey, there is difficulty, but there has been good work all together in the same direction. It has been three memorable years, but there are still six games to go, we are close to reaching a huge milestone and we hope to do so as soon as possible”.

Other aims for the rest of the season? Could Buchanan play in the final games? 

“All of the players are available tomorrow, apart from Cuadrado, but I think that he’ll be back on Tuesday. It’s a shame as he worked well last week, the others need to do well to deserve a spot from here until the end, but everyone is ready to play tomorrow in terms of what they give”.

What would you title this journey?

“You’re all better at this, but I am happy with how the three years have gone with everything. It has been great, a wonderful union: you feel the happiness of the fans, here in the city. We are there, we just need to take the final step”.

Any doubts about formation tomorrow? 

“There are some doubts, the lads have all worked wonderfully, we still need to train today. Everyone will be available apart from Cuadrado, let’s hope to work well today”.

What would this win add to your career?

“This trophy would bring me great joy: as a player, I won a lot with Lazio and it was greatly satisfying. My brother is biased, it was nice to hear his words. Then of course I scored 98 goals and he scored 300 so there’s a difference, but I was a discreet player”.

Rating for the season?

“We have to wait, in three months we will be more capable of giving the right rating”.

How important has a sense of belonging been for parts of the squad?

“We have many Italian players and many players who have been here for a while and are Inter fans: despite this, they don’t feel tension, the Italian die-hards have been very important but the foreign players have also been here for a long time, like our captain. The new additions have also been integrated in the best way possible thanks to these “vecchietti”.

Was there a moment when you realised you could win the Scudetto? 

“The hope was there right from the end of pre-season because of how we worked here and in Japan: the lads work a lot and in the right way, like a squad should do who wants to reach the highest levels. The journey has been long, it’s hard to cite a specific game, but every clash against our direct rivals has been important”.