Inzaghi also complimented Barcelona, saying the La Liga giants are a “strong opponent”.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Inter Milan boss, Simeone Inzaghi has said three of his players were not fit while playing against Barcelona in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-final second leg tie.
He made this known in his post match interview with Sky Sport Italia.
Inter Milan defeated Barcelona 4-3 at San Siro to progress to the final on a 7-6 aggregate win.
The Champions League semi-final first leg haf ended in a 3-3 draw at Camp Nou last week.
Lautaro Martinez and a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty had gave Inter Milan a 2-0 lead at half time.
But goals from Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo restored parity before Raphinha gave Barcelona the lead and Francesco Acerbi equalizing few minutes later to take the tie into extra-time.
However, Davide Fratessi scored in the first half of extra time to send the hosts to the final.
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Speaking after the game, Inzaghi admitted that the likes of Martinez, Fratessi and Denzel Dumfries were not fit against the Spainsh LaLiga giants.
“We must compliment Barcelona because they are truly a strong opponent.
“It required a super Inter, so I praise my boys for putting in two incredible performances over the two legs.
“It was the only way to reach the final. I am so proud to be their coach, as they gave it everything and those who came off the bench had the right attitude too.
“I told the players to believe, that we could try to limit Barcelona, even though it wasn’t easy to do.
“We had Lautaro, Dumfries and Frattesi who were not 100 per cent fit, so we had to use our hearts to push through every obstacle.” Inzaghi said.
The Italian tactician went on to pick Dutch midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, as the Barcelona player who impressed him the most during the match.
*A lot was said about Yamal, I saw another extraordinary player over these two legs who was out injured the last time we played them.
“Frenkie de Jong impressed me every bit as much as Yamal, he cleans the ball, times the passes well, he is wonderful.” Inzaghi added.
