Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi could not contain his delight after watching his side dispatch Atalanta to reach the Suppercoppa Italiana final on Thursday night, Soccernet.football reports.
A brace by Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries was enough for the Nerazzurri to secure a 2-0 victory over the current Serie A leaders. This win sends them into the final, where they will go up against either Juventus or AC Milan.
Inzaghi, who took great pride in his team’s ‘excellent’ performance on the night, was full of praise for his players. The italian boss even confessed that the team had gone beyond his expectations this season.
“The lads were excellent, it was never in doubt against a team of great quality,” he said as quoted by Football Italia.
“We wanted this final, we made the first step and now know the most important one still has to be made, but to create this many chances against Atalanta is honestly something to be proud of.
“Our only fault is not killing off the game earlier, but I really cannot complain against quality opposition.
“I am very satisfied, especially with all these journeys and a packed fixture list, yet the lads showed determination, concentration and focus. We have gone beyond all expectations this season.”
Inter are currently on a run of five consecutive matches across all competitions without conceding and on a night when talisman Lautaro Martinez struggled in front of goal, defender Dumfries proved to be the decisive figure in their latest victory.
“That is our style of football, our defenders push up and contribute to the attacking moves, so find themselves in the right positions,” Inzaghi added. “Dumfries has always scored goals for Inter and the Netherlands, so he is not a surprise.”
“He was unlucky against [Atalanta goalkeeper Marco] Carnesecchi, who made some extraordinary saves, but we get a lot out of our strikers that goes beyond goals,” he added about Martinez. “I am fortunate to have five forwards whose first focus is that Inter win matches.”
