Luciano Spalletti complimented both Inter and Benevento for their performances and attitudes in the Coppa Italia Round of 16.

It seemed to be plain sailing after going 2-0 up within six minutes, but Serie B outfit Benevento managed to score twice and create several more chances in an eventual 6-2 result.

“I told (Benevento Coach Cristian) Bucchi after the final whistle that he ought to be proud of that performance,” Spalletti said on Inter TV.

Luciano Spalletti complimented both Inter and Benevento for their performances and attitudes in the Coppa Italia Round of 16.

It seemed to be plain sailing after going 2-0 up within six minutes, but Serie B outfit Benevento managed to score twice and create several more chances in an eventual 6-2 result.

“I told (Benevento Coach Cristian) Bucchi after the final whistle that he ought to be proud of that performance,” Spalletti said on Inter TV.

“When we went 4-0 up, there was the risk they would stop playing and our attitude was one of assuming it was over, but they constantly pushed forward to harass us off the ball. It was a real game and a difficult one.

“I compliment my team, because they proved themselves very professional in their approach during the week building up to it. There is the risk of getting distracted and embarrassed, the way we were last year, so this result is a step forward.

“I was impressed with the players who haven’t been on the field as much this season, such as Andrea Ranocchia, Daniele Padelli, Antonio Candreva and Roberto Gagliardini.”

It was a strange atmosphere at San Siro, as the game was played behind closed doors as punishment for repeated racist chanting from Inter fans.

“It was not really a match,” said Spalletti. “This is not sport or the kind of spectacle we want to see. It is not football, it is not entertainment. Nobody wants to be in a stadium with that atmosphere.”

The Nerazzurri go forward and will face Lazio in the quarter-final later this month.

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