Andrea Stramaccioni is happy to have secured Inter’s place in the next round and praised Rodrigo Palacio. “We are psychologically solid.”
Andrea Stramaccioni is happy to have secured Inter’s place in the next round and praised Rodrigo Palacio. “We are psychologically solid.”
The Nerazzurri earned a 3-1 win in Belgrade over Partizan, a record 10th consecutive away victory, but started with a 4-5-1 system.
“We chose that tactic because of the players at my disposal and the fatigue levels I saw in my players,” the Coach told Mediaset.
“We have played more than any other Italian team this season and muscular problems are starting to pile up. It was a great shame that Gaby Mudingayi was added to that list tonight and we preferred to take him off to avoid risking a worse setback. He is a lovely lad and was really upset.
“I wanted to approach the first half carefully to control the situation and then go out to win in the second, which is what happened.”
Palacio came off the bench to bag a brace, adding to the winner he got against Partizan at San Siro.
“Palacio was my first signing and he immediately settled into the squad, so much that he looks like he’s been here for years.
“Samir Handanovic also performed two amazing saves that were worth goals. They were the saves of a champion. We knew what he could do and he is confirming his talent at this level.”
Both Inter and Rubin Kazan are mathematically qualified, but are joint top and must go head-to-head to decide who wins the group.
“It was important for us to secure qualification early, seeing as we have a very tiring trip to Kazan and now I can rest a few players.
“We are psychologically solid, otherwise we would not have managed 10 consecutive away victories. We have to keep taking it one game at a time, though.”