Inter lacked quality in disappointing Sassuolo draw - Spalletti

Inter head coach Luciano Spalletti conceded his team "ran the risk of losing" after struggling to assert dominance over Sassuolo.

Published : Jan 20, 2019 08:13 IST

Inter head coach Luciano Spalletti
Inter head coach Luciano Spalletti
lightbox-info

Inter head coach Luciano Spalletti

Luciano Spalletti bemoaned the lack of class in possession which hindered a lacklustre Inter during its 0-0 home draw against Sassuolo.

Inter was fortunate to escape with a point from its first Serie A fixture of 2019 after conceding the best of the chances to a well-organised Sassuolo.

Goalkeeper Samir Handanovic was forced into five saves at San Siro including a crucial close-range denial of Jeremie Boga in stoppage time.

The result left Inter, which has been linked with a January move for Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, at risk of slipping seven points behind second-placed Napoli.

"It was a tough night because Sassuolo played a good game," Spalletti said of Saturday's sub-par showing.

"We couldn't control the game. Even when we did well to get the ball back, we then lost it again too quickly meaning that we were unable to make the most of the moment and get men over.

"We needed to do better in those situations before their defence could settle in place. We didn't have enough quality on the ball and you need that against sides like Sassuolo who run a lot.

"We were overwhelmed by their defensive line and Sassuolo also caused us some problems. In the end, we also ran the risk of losing.

"However, you always have to look at the glass half full and we need to keep getting results to avoid running the risk of other teams catching us up.

"We need to keep working and improving, we also want to do well in the Europa League and the Coppa Italia in order to consolidate our status."

Played as a team

Inter's failure to find a way through the visitor was surprising given Sassuolo had shipped nine goals in its final two Serie A fixtures last year.

Sassuolo boss Roberto De Zerbi commended his players on keeping the host at bay with relative comfort.

"We made a real team performance with the right focus and concentration in all areas of the field," De Zerbi said.

"I'm satisfied. It was only a pity not to make more of our opportunities."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment