Inter boss Walter Mazzarri has admitted that his team can still make some improvements after their 2-1 victory over Fiorentina on Saturday, though he’s still satisfied with the win.
The struggling Nerazzurri were able to secure their second Serie A victory since the start of 2014 with goals from Rodrigo Palacio and Mauro Icardi, and the Milan side’s head coach has conceded that his team are starting to play the way he wants them to.
Mazzarri spoke to Sky Sport Italia after the win in Florence about some of the changes Inter need to make on the pitch, while also commenting on a few of his players’ performances.
“Tonight we did well, but we also risked throwing away two points, as we waste too many chances,” said the tactician.
“Against a quality side like Fiorentina, they can score at any moment and nearly did at the end.
“We’ve got to improve in certain respects, as we are too naive and at times were lazy, giving away corners that could’ve cost us the game.
“Near the end we almost conceded on the counter from our own free kick. It’s absurd and we must still grow, playing well means not giving these opportunities to our opponent.
“As for the rest, I was really impressed with the first half and if we’d made more of our chances then it could’ve been a bigger result with less suffering.
“Considering where we were playing and who we were taking on, it was a great performance.
“When we are in good shape and play the kind of football I like, with the wingers attacking, it is closer to my idea of Inter.
“[Mauro] Icardi? He scored a goal, then his performance decreased due to his condition. He needs to train hard and get in shape, as by the end he was barely able to run any more.
“His goal was offside? For five or six weeks I have refused to comment on referees, whether it’s good or bad, so it’s whatever you make of it.
“[Fredy] Guarin? He slightly forgot at the start of the second half to defend and got irritable. I have always told him he just needs to find consistency and concentration for 95 minutes. If he can do that, then there are few players as good.
“Hernanes? First of all, he can stand certain levels of pressure, whereas many of our players are not accustomed to fighting for the top. We lacked someone who could have the calm to play an important corner well or pick the right pass.
“As soon as we had a bit of a mini-crisis this season, we started wasting numerous chances and pinning teams like Chievo back without being able to win. Against Sassuolo, Hernanes put the ball in the right spot and Walter Samuel nodded in.
“I think that experience, calm, confidence and class was what we were missing. It will also have an effect on those around him.”
