Simone Inzaghi confirms set play routines are ‘a factor in modern football’ that Inter used to full effect in the 3-0 win over Cagliari, as the pressure grows to win Serie A and the Champions League.
The Nerazzurri took a while to break down a resilient Cagliari side at the Unipol Domus, but as we’ve seen so often in the last couple of seasons, set plays proved decisive.
Corner kicks were not cleared effectively and put back in by Nicolò Barella for both the Alessandro Bastoni looping header and Lautaro Martinez tap-in, before Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty.
Another recurring theme is that Inter scored 12 goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half this season, conceding none during that same period.
“At the end of the first half, we congratulated the team on their performance and knew we just had to keep going against a tenacious Cagliari side. It was not easy to come here and play like that, considering Cagliari lost only 1-0 to Atalanta and Fiorentina with performances that deserved better,” Inzaghi told DAZN.
“We had to play as a team, there were a few errors in the final third and we didn’t convert some clear opportunities, but we really wanted this victory and achieved it.”
Curiously, the penalty was also earned on a corner for Mateusz Wieteska’s handball, trying to prevent the Stefan de Vrij header.
“The players work really hard and the staff helps us to practice these routines. I also have great set play specialists like Dimarco, Calhanoglu and Asllani, it is a factor in modern football and organisation can give you a lot in these situations.”
Inzaghi had always backed Lautaro Martinez
Lautaro Martinez had not scored in Serie A since November 3 and it felt like the goal was not coming when he missed from a yard, but finally broke the drought for 2-0.
“Naturally, this situation was weighing on him, though we told him to relax and that he continued to give the team so much with his work. Lautaro Martinez will never be a problem for Inter, only a resource,” assured Inzaghi.
Inzaghi now begins preparations for the Supercoppa Italiana, where they play Atalanta in the semi-final on January 2 in Saudi Arabia.
The winners of that fixture then go on to face either Juventus or Milan for the trophy.
“This exciting 2024 ends with the 20th Scudetto that will forever unite us with the fans and directors, but now we go to Saudi Arabia for the Supercoppa hoping to win it for the fourth year in a row.”
Considering their growth, is the pressure on Inter and Inzaghi to win both the Serie A title and the Champions League?
“We know that we are Inter, we have objectives and it is only right to declare them. It takes a lot of sacrifice, January and February will have us playing constantly, but I am fortunate to have players ready to give their all whether for 95 minutes or five, and that is important.”
