Inzaghi: 90 minutes step left for our final dream at Inter Milan
Inter Milan's head coach Simone Inzaghi claimed that his club can already see his Inter Milan team in next month’s Champions League final after an impressive 2-0 win over local rivals AC Milan in the last four on Wednesday at “San Siro” stadium in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. Inter boss Simone Inzaghi was rightly pleased with how his side played in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash against Inter but believes they could have scored even more. “They had heart and mind; they covered every inch of the pitch. Whoever came off the bench helped us. However, we know that there are still 90 minutes left.” Said Inzaghi. Milan could have star man Rafael Leao back for Tuesday’s second leg after the Portugal winger missed Wednesday’s match with a thigh injury. Leao is crucial to Milan’s attack and his absence made Inter’s job that much easier, but Inzaghi isn’t worried about the 23-year-old’s potential return next week. “We have played loads of derbies with Leao playing and without him playing,” said Inzaghi. “He’s a great player who is very important for them but it won’t change our plan for the match.” Milan coach Stefano Pioli said that his team still believes that they can turn the result around on Tuesday despite the two-goal deficit and having to play as the nominal away side at the San Siro. “I know my players, I know we can do better… next week’s match will be psychologically very difficult for both teams because we have the chance to reach the final,” Pioli told reporters. “We have the chance to score some goals, put them under pressure, and set right what’s happened.” “It’s difficult; it won’t be a walk in the park. It will be difficult but we have to believe because football has taught us that you can overcome all sorts of obstacles.” Inter coach continued his remarks, saying, "In 72 hours we have a very important match against Sassuolo. We must be good at restoring physical and mental energy. We have to evaluate some players who came out with bruises."