Inzaghi had ‘no doubts’ Correa would repay Inter faith | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi had ‘no doubts’ Joaquin Correa would shine for Inter in the 5-0 hammering of Hellas Verona and gives an injury update on Francesco Acerbi.

The first match back after the break for international duty is always a dangerous one for a team like Inter who have so many players travelling all over the world.

Lautaro Martinez was ruled out by flu symptoms and Hakan Calhanoglu by injury, further adding to the issues, while Acerbi limped off with a right thigh flexor issue.

Nonetheless, they ran riot in the first half with Marcus Thuram’s brace, Tucu Correa contributing a goal and two assists, Stefan de Vrij and Yann Bisseck on target to win 5-0.

Inzaghi trusted Correa and Inter

epa11736470 Inter’s Joaquin Correa scores the goal 0-1 during the Italian Serie A soccer match Hellas Verona vs Inter FC at Marcantonio Bentegodi stadium in Verona, Italy, 23 November 2024. EPA-EFE/EMANUELE PENNACCHIO

“I know Correa very well and he’s been training hard since July 13,” explained Inzaghi to DAZN.

“We know that this is a big squad and there is a lot of competition for places, but Correa already had a good substitute appearance before the break for international duty and I thought about playing him. This time I had no doubts, I just needed to pick who would be alongside him.

“Lautaro would’ve been on the bench regardless of the flu symptoms so he could maybe give us a hand in the final minutes, so I was really choosing between Thuram and Marko Arnautovic. I am pleased for Correa and all the lads, it was a very professional performance with only 48 hours to prepare.”

Inzaghi also made the unusual step of switching to a four-man defence from the hour mark, where he was already protecting a 5-0 lead at the Stadio Bentegodi.

“It could be an option for the future. I needed to give some players a breather after international duty, while Carlos Augusto was returning after a month out. We won a very important match and the only reason for concern is Acerbi, who felt one flexor was not the same as the other, so asked to be substituted. We saw how well De Vrij did when coming on, but hope to have Acerbi back soon.”

Inter’s focus now turns to the Champions League, where they remain unbeaten and will host RB Leipzig on Tuesday evening before visiting Bayer Leverkusen.

“There are seven or eight points we still need to get into the Round of 16. We picked up 10 points in a fixture list that was not easy, we are facing two German sides who are doing great things,” added Inzaghi.

“Leipzig are second in Germany and playing great football, so we need a strong performance in front of our fans.”