INTER, Stramaccioni: "A healthy lead but let's push on"

© foto di Daniele Buffa/Image Sport

Andrea Stramaccioni reflected on a key win for his team that came thanks to Palacio's goal in the dying minutes against Partizan Belgrade, a result which strengthens the Nerazzurri's position at the top of Group H. "We struggled a bit in the first period and our opponents made it tough for us with their ball possession. We were much better after the interval, partly because of the difference our subs made. We missed a few chances despite getting into their box on repeated occasions. Then there was that superb save by Handanovic, who showed once again that he's one of the best keepers in Europe, and finally we got the victory we deserved. It was vital for us to win this and the way we played in the second half showed how important it was to us. Cassano? He was disappointed not to score because he's desperate to do well for these colours and he always gives everything on the pitch. He was delighted when we won at the end. We're all happy and we're doing well at the moment but we have to keep plugging away. We go to Belgrade next and we saw tonight that it's not going to be easy. We must immediately refocus on Bologna now: tomorrow we'll start working on doing well in the league again."

The Nerazzurri coach continued: "I think Jonathan put in a very good performance tonight. Going through to the next round? A six-point lead over the third-placed team with three games to go is a healthy lead but the next match in Belgrade, in a difficult environment, will be the decisive one. We really want to do well in the Europa League. It's Inter's duty to be challenging for honours in Europe and in Italy. Handanovic? That save of his was as good as a goal. Coutinho has twisted his ankle, he took a heavy knock and we'll have to take a look at him. Silvestre played a careful game, he's an experienced player. San Siro is a demanding place to play but what matters is that the club and I have faith in the lad."