Conte left with regrets after Inter errors prove costly

Antonio Conte was left with “enormous” regret as the Inter head coach rued errors after a Coppa Italia loss to Juventus.

A Cristiano Ronaldo penalty cancelled out Lautaro Martinez’s opener before the Juve star scored what proved to be a 35th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory in the semi-final first leg at San Siro on Tuesday.

Ashley Young’s foul on Juan Cuadrado led to the spot-kick and Ronaldo’s second arrived after Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic came charging out, the Portuguese star tucking into an open goal after dispossessing Alessandro Bastoni.

Conte rued the mistakes made by Inter as they were left with work to do ahead of next week’s second leg.

“We did it all today and our regret is enormous. Juventus didn’t have to work for their goals and I don’t remember Handanovic having to make any big saves,” he told Rai Sport.

“We committed two gross errors that gifted them the lead. I think the team did really well and the boys gave it their all.

“As always, we created a lot and put Juventus under immense pressure but we need to be more clinical because goals make the difference.”

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Much improved in the second half but we’re still a goal down going into the second leg.#InterJuventus –#CoppaItalia  #FORZAINTER pic.twitter.com/EhsNWWNWyQ

— Inter (@Inter_en) February 2, 2021

For the first time since April 2000, Inter have conceded at least one goal in 10 consecutive matches in the Coppa Italia.

Conte accepted turning the tie around would be tough for Inter, as he turns his focus to Friday’s Serie A clash against Fiorentina.

“We’ll need to win by two goals and not concede. This obviously won’t be a walk in the park because Juve are a strong side,” he said.

“Anything can happen but we need to recharge and think about our game in Florence in two days. It’ll be a tough game in all aspects.

“After that, we’ll prepare for the second leg.”