Inter Milan Manager Delivers Cryptic Fitness Update On Three Stars Ahead Of Barcelona Clash: 'Nothing Is Certain'
Inter Milan Manager Delivers Cryptic Fitness Update On Three Stars Ahead Of Barcelona Clash: 'Nothing Is Certain'
Simone Inzaghi refused to reveal the return date for injured stars Piotr Zielinski, Denzel Dumfries, and Marcus Thuram.
During his latest interview via FCInterNews, the 49-year-old addressed the team's fitness situation ahead of a crucial week.
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Indeed, the reigning Scudetto holders will take on Roma in a must-win Serie A clash at San Siro on Sunday.
Furthermore, Inzaghi's charges will meet Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie days after.
Meanwhile, Inter waved goodbye to their treble dream after AC Milan eliminated the Nerazzurri from the Coppa Italia tonight.
Luka Jovic's brace and a late strike from Tijjani Reijnders saw the nine-time Coppa winners exit the competition.
'We must handle the season finale with analysis and trust. We're sorry to have lost in front of our fans, but that's football,' Inzaghi said.
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'We shouldn't have gone into halftime trailing, but we needed to do better in both boxes. Credit to them, yet the 2-0 goal was a bit lucky.
'We were unlucky with the ball staying there after Barella's handball.
'However, we were disorganized in the second half. But the first 30 minutes were the best we've played in any derby this season.
'It's always tough to come back when you go behind. Congratulations to Milan, they were better than us.'
Simone Inzaghi Offers Fitness Update on Zielinski, Thuram & Dumfries
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by)
'We're not focusing on that—we're not hiding behind excuses or fatigue.
'Of course, I'd love to have Thuram, Dumfries, and Zielinski available, but we know they're not.
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'In the last three derbies, we've not had Thuram and Lautaro together, it's normal to have absences.
'Everyone is working to come back, but we're not dwelling on excuses.
'The first half was played like a serious team, though the first goal we conceded is unacceptable.
'The second was fortunate.
'We tried to get back into it, albeit in a disorganized and unfocused way. Maignan did well on De Vrij's chance.'
Asked whether he'll have Denzel Dumfries and the other two back for next week's trip to Barcelona, Inzaghi replied: 'There are no certainties.
'Every match now is like a World Cup final. There's hope for Sunday, but no guarantees yet. We'll see in the coming days.'
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Finally, he refused to seek excuses for Inter's disastrous Coppa Italia performance.
'I won't talk about that—otherwise it's too easy. I need everyone now, no one excluded.
'I'll try to pick the most suitable players for each game. I hope to have the three injured players back, they're important.
'We're proud, we chose a difficult path. Indeed, we really cared about the Coppa Italia, we thank the players for their effort.
'We're sorry for the fans and the club.'
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