Simeone Inzaghi praised Inter’s performance in their 2-0 win over Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, but conceded he was worried about his players’ energy levels.
Inter edged ahead in the 39th minute through Marko Arnautovic’s stunning volley before Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty sealed their progression to the final four.
Indeed, the Nerazzurri have now reached the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia on 30 occasions, with only Juventus (36) managing more appearances at this stage.
It was also the fifth time in the last six seasons that Inter have featured in the semi-finals of the competition, with a clash against rivals AC Milan awaiting in April’s semi-final.
But Inzaghi’s side were made to work for their victory, registering an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.92 while also being restricted to just four shots throughout the game.
“We played an excellent match against a very strong team,” said Inzaghi. “Lazio caused us plenty of problems, especially in the first half.
“But once we broke the deadlock we did well. I saw many great performances and hope we’ll keep going like this.
“We must take it one match at a time and focus on recovering our energy because we will need everyone.”
Inter have already played Milan three times this season, but it has been the Rossoneri that have the better of their recent meetings.
Milan were 2-1 winners in their first Serie A meeting before they emerged victorious in the Supercoppa Italiana final thanks to Tammy Abraham’s stoppage-time winner.
The last meeting saw them draw 1-1 in the Italian top-flight, but Inter have since built a one-point lead in Serie A, while Milan are languishing in seventh.
Inter are also the only Italian side still competing for honours in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League, and Inzaghi was worried about the hectic schedule to come.
“It will be an intense two-legged tie. We will go into it with the aim of reaching the final in Rome,” Inzaghi said.
“We’ll think more about it in April. Right now, we have a packed schedule with many games close together.”
Inzaghi added that Arnautovic was placed strategically away from the box at corners, putting him in the perfect position to volley Inter into the lead.
Arnautovic’s sensational strike came with an xG tally of just 0.02, but Inzaghi knew of the Austrian’s ball-striking ability.
“We knew he had to position himself at the edge of the box -he has great shooting ability. He is a player who always performs well, and today he was decisive,” Inzaghi said.
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