Inzaghi: ‘Inter are pushing themselves beyond their limits’ and keep working despite ‘fatigue’ | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi was visibly satisfied as he entered the post-match press conference, attended by Football Italia, following Inter’s 2-1 away win against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. He emphasized that the Nerazzurri ‘shouldn’t focus on the result,’ but rather on ‘the type of game’ they played.

The Nerazzurri showed immense character, fighting back at what was arguably the most delicate moment of the match, as the Bavarian giants had just equalized through Thomas Müller and were pushing for a late winner.

Instead, Davide Frattesi struck at the perfect moment, converting Carlos Augusto’s cross to restore a one-goal lead for the visitors. The goal, scored by a substitute, provided Inzaghi with another opportunity to praise his squad.

epa12018858 Head Coach Simone Inzaghi of Inter reacts during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final 1st leg match between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in Munich, Germany, 08 April 2025. EPA-EFE/RONALD WITTEK

Inzaghi: Inter played a ‘great match’ at Bayern but need to take one last step for semifinals

“I know I have to thank these guys because tonight they gave everything,” Inzaghi told reporters.

“We had some absences, but we didn’t let that show thanks to the help of everyone.

“When I hear talk about substitutions, it frustrates me because it’s the whole Inter squad; all the players have helped us get to April and compete on all fronts.

“It would be unfair to name specific players tonight. Lautaro and Barella were excellent, but so was everyone else. Frattesi came on and performed that way, after the last few days which weren’t very easy for him.

“Frattesi was one of the best against Udinese, seven days ago. Against Milan in the derby, there was an unfortunate rebound that led to Milan’s goal, and Frattesi was talked about, but he had put in a performance of great effort. He’s always trained in the best way, and he must continue like this.

MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“I’ve always said it — I’ve been lucky to find a group of guys like this, who are very attached to the Inter shirt and try to give everything on the field despite the difficulties.”

Inzaghi admitted he is impressed by the way his players continue to work hard despite the large number of matches played so far, with several injuries limiting rotations in recent months.

“In the last two months, I’ve never had so many difficulties in terms of available players, with all these matches to play,” Inzaghi added.

“This team is pushing itself beyond his limits. We’ve played 47 matches, but the players don’t feel the fatigue, they work.

“We’re in an emergency, but we knew it could happen. Now we have to be good at recovering players and understanding who needs rest.

“At halftime today, Acerbi was on the treatment table, but then I spoke to him and he managed to continue.

“This victory should certainly give us even more motivation, but I know I’m asking for overtime from my players.

MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Yann Sommer of FC Internazionale attempts to catch the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“For Darmian, it was his fourth consecutive match, after coming back from injury. In the upcoming matches, we’ll also consider Zalewski as an option on the right.”

Despite acknowledging his satisfaction for the victory, Inzaghi insisted Inter should be particularly happy by the performance they put in against a strong opponent like Bayern Munich.

“We’re happy, we played a great match,” Inzaghi said.

“In my opinion, we shouldn’t focus on the result, but on the type of game we played against a great opponent, who played very well technically. We were a team and we played a great game, but this performance must be followed up in eight days.

“You all know Bayern’s numbers. They hadn’t lost at home in the Champions League since 2021, but there’s one last step to take before reaching the semifinals.

“We were excellent, from start to finish. In the first half, we had more possession against a strong team. Seeing a goal in the 91st minute from a quick build-up from the back is a great satisfaction.

“It’s definitely an important victory, like others. Finals are the ones you remember the most, or the Champions League derby. Tonight is a great satisfaction, but we know it’s only the first half, and the second leg will be at San Siro.”