Inter Milan Manager Admits He ‘Likes’ Improvized Attacking Partnership After Coppa Italia Draw Vs AC Milan | OneFootball

Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi addressed the press after tonight’s 1-1 draw against AC Milan in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie.

Speaking to Sport Mediaset via FCInterNews, the 48-year-old delivered a few massive fitness updates.

Lautaro Martinez, Denzel Dumfries, and Piotr Zielinski were unavailable for selection due to injuries.

Therefore, Simone Inzaghi had to field Joaquin Correa, Matteo Darmian, and Davide Frattesi from the start.

However, despite missing three first-team stars, the Nerazzurri avoided defeat at the San Siro.

Milan took the lead early in the second half as Tammy Abraham scored a delightful solo goal.

Yet, Hakan Calhanoglu canceled the Englishman’s strike with a stunning mid-range shot against his former club.

Meanwhile, Inter had two glorious chances to open the scoring in the first half.

Unfortunately, Stefan de Vrij and Frattesi couldn’t beat Mike Maignan.

“It was a derby. We could have taken the lead in the first half with De Vrij and Frattesi,” Inzaghi said.

“Then, in the second half, their goal incident probably helped us because we played much better after that.

“We created many chances against a strong team with great players. It’s never easy to play against Milan – we knew that.

“My players put in an excellent performance with great sacrifice.

“Tonight, we only had 14 outfield players because Arnautovic and Dimarco were on the bench but unavailable.

“I had the Primavera players ready. I asked everyone to make an extra effort, and they were fantastic.”

Simone Inzaghi Delivers Fitness Update On Several Inter Milan Stars

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: FC Internazionale coach Simone Inzaghi looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 08, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Abraham seized a scrappy intervention from Frattesi to put Milan in front, leaving Inzahgi fuming.

However, after reviewing the situation, the Inter boss offered a different view.

“I rewatched the first goal – it was an incredible deflection between Thuram and Frattesi, and the ball just stayed there.

“From the field, I was really frustrated. We could have done better.

“We were all behind the ball, then there was this lucky bounce, and Abraham finished it well.

“But the team stayed composed.

“We played a great second half, Zalewski had a big chance, Mkhitaryan had a shot – Maignan was outstanding.”

Meanwhile, Federico Dimarco and Marko Arnautovic had to stay on the bench despite making the matchday squad.

“Obviously, we didn’t do any calculations, but we knew we had this match and then the return leg in 20 days.

“Hopefully, we’ll have more options then. The guys did great today.

“Dimarco and Arnautovic had muscle fatigue, they didn’t train yesterday, and this morning they moved a little.

“But along with the medical staff, we decided not to risk them. We have Parma coming up, and we need to protect them.”

Simone Inzaghi Hails Marcus Thuram-Joaquin Correa Partnership

Correa filled in for the injured Lautaro and fared reasonably well despite failing to score.

On the other hand, Marcus Thuram showed flashes of brilliance.

“I think they played very well,” Inzaghi stated. “They had a great game together in Verona, but then we had injuries.

“First Correa, then Thuram, so they hadn’t played together much.

“But I like them as a pair because they complement each other: one drops deep to link up, the other attacks the space.

“Correa worked hard, and Thuram did too. They knew they had to manage their energy because I had no substitutions.

“I really appreciated their sacrifice in such a physical match.”

Finally, Inter will face a fixture-packed tail-end of the campaign.

“We know what’s ahead,” Inzaghi continued. “We’ve reached April with a lot of pride, and we don’t plan anything.

“Indeed we’ve just approached each match with full commitment.

“Now, we have a packed schedule, and my dream as a coach is to have all my players available.

“Hopefully, Dimarco and Arnautovic will recover, and we’re also waiting for our captain and Dumfries.

“We look ahead with confidence. You know these guys and their passion for the club. They make me really proud to be their coach.”