Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has reserved special praises for his players following their dramatic 4-3 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League.
The hosts emerged victorious in Italy to advance 7-6 on aggregate at the expense of the Catalans.
Inter Milan raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half before Barcelona fought back in the second half to make it 3-2. The Italians turned the game around in the closing moments through Acerbi to force it into extra time.
Frattesi scored then winning goal in extra time to seal Inter Milan’s place in the final of the competition.
Inzaghi was full of praise for his players for their battling performance against Barcelona.
He said: “First of all, I have to congratulate Barcelona – a really strong team.
“It took a super Inter – a round of applause for these guys, who put in two monstrous performances.
“I’m happy to be their coach. They gave me everything they had. It’s right that they enjoy their success in this stadium.
“We had some problems, but with heart, we went over every obstacle,” said Inzaghi. “We tried to play it with the qualities we have.
“After the first leg, we had the game plan in mind, but without the sacrifice and the help of all of us together, you can’t do it,” he said. “They [the players] deserve this final.
Inzaghi also reserved praises for Barcelona for their impressive display in the encounter.
He said: “We must compliment Barcelona too, because they are truly a strong opponent.
“It required a super Inter, so I praise my lads for putting in two incredible performances over the two legs. It was the only way to reach the Final, I am so proud to be their coach, as they gave it everything and those who came off the bench had the right attitude too.
“They should enjoy every moment in front of these fans, we are truly happy. They were exemplary. I told the players to believe, that we could try to limit Barcelona, even though it wasn’t easy to do. We had Lautaro, Dumfries and Frattesi who were not 100 per cent fit, so we had to use our hearts to push through every obstacle.”
Inzaghi has now led Inter Milan to a second Champions League final in three years.
Up next for Inter Milan is a trip to Torino in the Serie A on Sunday.
