Inzaghi: ‘Real Inter emergency’ but ‘prepared’ for Arnautovic goal | OneFootball

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi explains how the Nerazzurri prepared for Marko Arnautovic’s goal, but insists his team has a ‘real emergency’ following the latest Matteo Darmian injury.

Inter beat Lazio 2-0 at San Siro on Tuesday, qualifying for the Coppa Italia semifinals.

“We played a great match against a team of absolute quality, well-organized and with talented players,” Inzaghi told SportMediaset.

“We struggled in the first half but did well to break the deadlock. In the second half, we performed much better. Out of necessity, we had to change our formation. I’m proud to be the coach of this team.”

Inter will meet their city rivals Milan in the semifinals, which will be played in two months.

“We’ll think about it in April. Right now, we have a packed schedule with many games close together,” argued Inzaghi.

“We’re struggling on the flanks, we’re in a real emergency, but we have to keep going. This was the first of six matches in 20 days. We know what lies ahead.”

Inter met Lazio without the injured Nicola Zalewski and Carlos Augusto, but Matteo Darmian was also forced off the pitch in the first half.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale walks off the pitch with medical staff after sustaining an injury during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I got a lot of important responses from my players. Some weren’t at their best, but tonight, they didn’t hold back,” Inzaghi continued.

“Frattesi had a serious issue, as did Taremi, but they played without hesitation because they knew the team needed them. They played with painkillers but never backed down.”

Marko Arnautovic scored a stunning goal to give Inter the lead in the first half, but Inzaghi was asked why the Austrian striker positioned himself outside the box for an Inter corner kick in the build-up.

“This morning, we worked on set pieces, and if Lazio kept tall players inside the box, as they did, he had to step out, and that ball came his way. We know his shooting ability,” the coach revealed.

Second-choice keeper Josep Martinez kept the second consecutive clean sheet and made some crucial saves to deny Gustav Isaksen.

“Martinez is an excellent goalkeeper that the club identified along with three other players,” said Inzaghi.

“He had a great season with Genoa. Sommer is having a fantastic season, just like last year. I had already considered giving him his debut. I wasn’t in a rush because I knew he would do well. He’s a serious guy who works quietly. He’s a great professional who trains hard during the week.”

Inter’s next game is a crucial one as they visit second-placed Napoli at the Stadio Maradona on Saturday.