INZAGHI HOLDS ON TIGHT TO SENSI AND ALEXIS SANCHEZ
Simone Inzaghi was not surprised that Empoli forced Inter to extra time in the Coppa Italia, assures Stefano Sensi might not join Sampdoria, but Joaquin Correa has ‘quite a serious injury.’
It was far from a comfortable night for the Nerazzurri, who were minutes away from elimination when trailing 2-1 to Empoli at home.
The Alexis Sanchez opener was overturned by Nedim Bajrami and an unlucky Ionut Radu own goal, but Andrea Ranocchia’s acrobatic volley in stoppages forced extra time.
At that point, substitute Stefano Sensi – who was not meant to be in the squad ahead of a loan move to Sampdoria – scored the winner for 3-2.
“I think we’ve seen almost all the Round of 16 ties have gone to extra time. We knew Empoli were a quality team, we should’ve scored more in the first half and then lost our way a bit after the break,” Inzaghi told Sport Mediaset.
“Conceding the equaliser was a further blow, but we didn’t give up and managed to turn it around.”
Sensi was not even expected to be at San Siro tonight, yet came off the bench and scored the winner. Is he going to Sampdoria on loan?
“Stefano deserved this evening, because he’s had very little space this season, but always trained hard. As long as he wears the Inter jersey, I will keep him in mind. If he stays, I’m more than happy to keep him, but he has to make some evaluations and decisions.
“We talked a lot, he’s a very intelligent guy and I am glad he scored the winner tonight. As long as he wears the Inter jersey, I am holding on tight to Stefano Sensi.”
Alexis Sanchez came off the bench within four minutes and was on target again, this time with a header. Should the Chile international get more playing time?
“I think Sanchez is a great player who started four of the last six and came off the bench in the other two, so he’s getting playing time and earning that with his performances.”
There was drama too, as in the opening couple of minutes Joaquin Correa went off in tears clutching his hamstring after Simone Romagnoli clambered all over him. That might’ve also not been helped by the state of the San Siro pitch, which was very patchy and seemed to have visible holes.
“Both Inter and Milan have had this problem for well over a month and something has to be done, because it’s not a good turf. Empoli were penalised too this evening, because they play the ball to feet with quick passes.
“We really could’ve done without the Correa injury, because he had just returned and was ready to contribute, but it seems like quite a serious injury.”