Yahoo Sports Inzaghi: ‘No fear, only respect’ from Inter in Scudetto race
Simone Inzaghi assures there is ‘no fear, just a lot of respect’ for Inter’s Scudetto rivals Napoli and Atalanta, while players like Davide Frattesi are their ‘secret weapon.’
Frattesi opened the scoring within six minutes in Lecce, before Lautaro Martinez, Denzel Dumfries and the first ever Serie A career goal for Mehdi Taremi sealed the 4-0 success.
This was an historic moment, because Inzaghi set the new all-time Serie A record as the fastest coach to reach 200 victories, taking just 332 games compared to Max Allegri’s 338.
“We had a great approach to the game and I congratulated the team for that, but it was not easy, as we returned home on Wednesday at dawn. We organised a focused, determined and aggressive match, we knew Lecce would be courageous to attack us,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.
“There were also another two goals that we saw disallowed for a centimetre offside, which also happened to us in Prague. These lads have been playing every three days for months, it will continue like this, so we need to keep it going.”
Frattesi had his first Serie A start in three months and made an immediate impact, but also told reporters that he is ‘very happy’ at Inter and has no intention of leaving.
“He was our secret weapon last season, along with Carlos Augusto and Asllani, because those who were always ready to come in and cover made sure we never felt anyone’s absence. Without their contribution, we would not have been able to win our 20th Scudetto,” insisted Inzaghi.
“I have a good rapport with Davide, he was decisive for us last season, earned his place in the Italy squad and over the last three weeks had a little fitness problem, but has shaken it off now.
“We had to do without Calhanoglu for many games this season, but Asllani has been doing very well, I wasn’t sure whether to start him for the fifth game in a row, but decided to rotate.”
Inzaghi’s Inter unstoppable on their travels
Inter have now won their last eight consecutive Serie A away fixtures and all with clean sheets, a remarkable run of results.
“The last away goal we conceded was in Udine in September, so there is a lot of daily work in training behind these records and I am very fortunate to have worked for clubs like Lazio and Inter who gave me carte blanche, with players who were prepared to follow me.”
There is a big week coming up for Inter, as they face AS Monaco in the final Champions League group phase game to secure a top eight spot, then go into the Derby della Madonnina against rivals Milan.
Dumfries was the only player at risk of suspension, but he managed to avoid a card today, unlike Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana.
The Nerazzurri knew the pressure was on at the Stadio Via del Mare after Napoli and Atalanta both won this weekend, but the result never looked in doubt.
“Napoli and Atalanta are doing something extraordinary, as are Inter,” concluded Inzaghi.
“There is no fear, just a lot of respect for two very good teams, who have fine coaches and play good football. I said in July that this would be an open title race and this is what is happening.”
