Inzaghi explains Inter substitution call in Udinese win: ‘Four changes were forced’ | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi has revealed that four of his second-half substitutions during Inter’s 2-1 victory over Udinese on Sunday were enforced, and has commented on why the Nerazzurri appeared to struggle towards the end despite a dominant first-half display.

Marko Arnautovic and Davide Frattesi converted from identical Federico Dimarco cut-backs to hand Inter a 2-0 lead at the interval, while Oumar Soulet clawed one back with a rocket into the far corner from 25 yards out in the second half.

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Inzaghi: ‘Four’ Inter changes were ‘forced’

Asked if he felt any nerves towards the end of the game, Inzaghi said: “Absolutely, because we risked not winning the game after a great first half from which we deserved more than two goals. We didn’t approach it well in the second half, and I got angry after Solet’s goal, which cost us our advantage.

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 30: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, reacts, after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inzaghi went on to explain that he did not want to change too much about his personnel in the second half, but made three subs on the hour mark and five by the end of the 90. The coach revealed that four of those changes were enforced.

“I wouldn’t have touched anything, four changes were forces. Arnautovic and Frattesi took a knock and asked to be subbed out. Dimarco and Darmian were coming back from injuries, Cahlanoglu had played two 90-minute matches for Turkey, and we will have Milan in two days’ time.  Asllani is suspended and we will need Hakan. Making him play four games of 90 minutes within the space of a few days puts him at risk.

“I had five fit players on the bench, De Vrij was there for the sake of it. We hope to recover those left out, because it’s difficult playing every 72 hours.”