Como 0-0 Inter Milan – Cesc Fabregas Hails His Side’s Impressive Defensive Display: “How Many Times Have Inter Managed 0.07 xG | OneFootball

Como manager Cesc Fabregas has hailed his side’s defensive performance in Tuesday’s Coppa Italia clash against Inter Milan.

Speaking to TMW via FCInter1908, the Spanish coach also outlined his ambition to reach the competition’s final against the odds.

Inter Milan and Como shared the spoils in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

Indeed, a tepid contest in northern Italy saw the Lariani hold the runaway Serie A leaders to a tepid 0-0 draw.

Moreover, Fabregas’ side completely neutralized Cristian Chivu’s goalscoring machine.

For context, Inter only had three attempts on goal, finishing the game without a single shot on target.

Without star striker Lautaro Martinez, the Nerazzurri failed to offer much in the final third.

As a result, they generated a disappointing 0.07 xG against a side they humbled 4-0 in Serie A earlier this season.

Therefore, there will be everything to play for when the two sides meet in the return fixture at San Siro next month.

Cesc Fabregas Hails Como Defensive Display vs Inter Milan

VENICE, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Manager of Como Cesc Fabregas during the Serie A match between Venezia and Como at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on December 08, 2024 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

“Missed opportunity? No, honestly not,” Cesc Fabregas said. “We prepared for the match in a certain way. You can do better or worse, but after the game, everyone thinks they’re an expert.

“We’ve played a lot against Inter, we know what kind of team they are, how they press. We played against Inter in a Coppa Italia semi-final for the first time in 40 years, and we had three great chances to score.

“And they didn’t even hit the target. Regret? I’d like to know how many times in recent years Inter has produced just 0.07 xG. But if we had gone all out in the final minutes and they scored 1-0, I wouldn’t have slept.

“How Sergi Roberto, Nico Paz, Caqueret… found themselves in those positions – that’s something you don’t always see against Inter, so good for you if you do. Then we weren’t sharp with Vojvoda and Valle to score and go 1-0 for the return leg, okay.

“But it wasn’t attitude or tactics; it was quality in the final part of the game.

“This year we’ve scored more goals than we have in the past. Anyway, a great performance from the team today, even if you play against the worst team in the world, they’ll get two shots.

“We controlled Inter very well, and I’m happy with the performance, but if there are very demanding people who think differently… I’m open to everything. Still, we deserved to win 1-0.

“Disappointment? It would have been greater if we had lost 0-1. After 40 years, in seven weeks, we go to Milan to fight for it. Impossible? Nothing is impossible. When the time comes, we’ll prepare with the right mindset.”