Simone Inzaghi is feeling confident heading into tomorrow’s Coppa Italia semi-final against rivals Milan.
The Nerazzurri take on the Rossoneri in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals tomorrow evening at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, their fourth Derby della Madonnina of the season. The first leg ended 0-0, so both sides will be hoping to steal an advantage without the game going to extra time.
Speaking in a press conference, Inzaghi first discussed the condition of the squad heading into the match.
“We know the importance of the challenge and what it represents for us. We come from three wins in a row and we are ready.”
He spoke about if he’d leave out Lautaro Martinez to further motivate him.
“I always have so many doubts, every day. There are still two training sessions left and I will try to choose the best.
“The Coppa Italia should be separated from the league, we’re running on both and it means we’re doing well, having also won the Super Cup in January.”
The Inter coach touched on if the Nerazzurri could win at least one of the four Derby della Madonnina clashes this season.
“This is the fourth one, tomorrow we want to win because the goal is the Coppa Italia final. We could have achieved more beforehand, but moments are decisive and we had to be good at directing them at the right time.”
The former Lazio coach commented on the team’s approach ahead of the game.
“When you know the importance of the away goal, you have to take it into account. We have to be careful and concentrated, even if it’s for extra time.”
Inzaghi gave his thoughts on the fact that the away goal rule is still enforced in the Coppa Italia this season.
“It was discussed, it had to be standardised, but we will go ahead and accept it. We didn’t score in the first leg, so we’ll have to take that into account for tomorrow night.”
He spoke about if the fact that Inter hadn’t won a derby this season would give them extra motivation emotionally.
“In the league we’ve played two derbies very well, in the first leg we knew about the away goal and it stopped us. We’ll have a great chance to make the most of it.”
The Inter coach touched on the impact of this Coppa Italia semi-final against Milan on the title race this season.
“It’s worth a final, but I repeat that they are two different competitions. Tomorrow we’ll give absolute priority to the game, once it’s over, regardless of the result, we’ll focus our motivation and thoughts on Roma and our season.”
Inzaghi discussed who can replace Marcelo Brozovic against the Rossoneri and if a backup will be signed.
“He’s an important player, Barella, Calhanoglu, Vidal at Liverpool replaced him. We have elements of great value who have given their all. Probably, talking with the management, we will take someone. We’ll see at the end of the season.”
Finally, Inzaghi wasn’t sure what forward pair would start against their intercity rivals.
“I have five strikers, all of whom are in good shape and who deserve to play. They can all play, with everyone. I’ll choose the best solution, the choice of strikers always depends on the type of match.
“Dzeko and Correa did a great job with Verona, Lautaro and Sanchez came in and both scored. It always depends on the match and how it develops.”