There was no doubt that Simone Inzaghi, who beat Empoli 4-2 in a thrilling Serie A match on Friday, fought back to give his Inter Milan a two-goal lead. Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 28th minute of the first half after Inter Milan lost 2-0 to San Siro. He was on the right track for his first away win in 10 away games for Empoli, and was the lifeblood of Inter Milan, with youngster Simone Romagnoli lining up in his snare.
Lottaro Martinez then denied both halves of the first half at home after half-time, with Alexis Sanchez denying extra time in extra time before the break. For Inter Milan, a nine-match winning streak against Empoli in Serie A moved them one point clear of a return to the top flight when they travel to Hales Verona on Sunday. His team gave the visitors two early goals, but Inzaghi was finally pleased.
"I said a few days ago that we need to focus on and protect Empoli, but I always knew the team would have the right reaction," he told DAZN. "We created chances and scored a lot of goals. [Guglielmo] Vicario scored very well." Inter Milan have scored a total of 37 goals, 10 of which are the most in any of the top five European leagues this season.
In front of a large crowd in a crowded house. Inzaghi felt he had tried too hard to get his team up and running fast and his opponents were trying to pay him off. "An experienced team like us should not concede such goals, but the feeling is that we wanted to score immediately in front of this crowd," he said.
"I think we set a record for the number of goals scored today. In the first 25 minutes we were so excited to take the lead that Empoli put pressure on us. "But we have shown a good response and we need to commend that." Inter Milan will be eyeing Verona's trip to Milan on Sunday, but their focus will now shift to Wednesday's Coppa Italia final against Juventus.
With six wins from their last seven matches in all competitions, Inzaghi's side will sail the event at the Stadio Olimpico. "I will be confident in what lies ahead," said Inter Milan coach Clapp. "This team has been strong since August and has progressed to every tournament. "Overcoming a disciplined opponent will give us confidence."