Inzaghi: ‘Inter magnificent, but not given a clear penalty’ | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi said Inter were ‘magnificent’ for refusing to bow to bad luck and keep fighting until a last-gasp equaliser against Milan, but ‘there was a really clear penalty not given.’

The Nerazzurri were starting to think luck really wasn’t on their side this evening, as Tijjani Reijnders had given Milan the lead on the stroke of half-time.

They had three goals disallowed for offside and fouls, then hit the same upright three different times in the second half before Stefan de Vrij eventually bundled in from close range at the 93rd minute on an assist from debutant Nicola Zalewski.

Inzaghi praised Inter spirit on unlucky evening

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Stefan de Vrij of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“The lads were magnificent, they went above and beyond the call of duty, but there was so much bad luck against us, with three goals disallowed, hitting the upright three times and a really clear penalty not given on Thuram,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.

He was referring to the Theo Hernandez sliding tackle on Thuram inside the area, as Strahinja Pavlovic had bundled into the back of the Inter striker moments earlier.

“With so many incidents going against us, we still managed to equalise at the 93rd minute. Milan deserve compliments too, as they have intensity and are always dangerous on the counter, so they put in a good performance too.

“Clearly, there are regrets, because we always want to win, but despite all those incidents, we didn’t let our heads drop and kept pushing.”

Inter were somewhat sluggish in the first half and never really tested Mike Maignan, but managed to avoid a third consecutive Derby della Madonnina defeat.

“We know that Milan are dangerous on the counter, they allowed us 65 per cent possession and we were aware there would be two or three big counter-attacks, as that is their main strength,” continued Inzaghi.

“We had also controlled the first half and could’ve attacked the space a bit better, held back on the runs with a little patience to avoid those offside flags. We kept fighting and deserved more than just a point, but must never forget we were up against a very good team with great players.”

Zalewski came off the bench for his debut just hours after completing the loan with option to buy move from Roma and made an immediate impact with an assist for the De Vrij goal.

“We’re getting some players back now, it will be constant in February, so we must be on our toes. The players who came on have always done well and will be important for the next games too,” concluded Inzaghi.