Injuries taking their toll, says Benitez

Inter Milan boss Rafael Benitez conceded his side’s second-half fight-back was the only positive in their 3-1 loss to Lazio on Friday.

Inter were outplayed by a determined Lazio side who joined Milan at the summit of the league on 30 points.

A first-half strike from Giuseppe Biava set up Lazio’s evening, before Mauro Zarate doubled the lead just after half-time with an assured finish.

Inter’s Goran Pandev, a former Lazio player, gave the European champions a lifeline, but it was too little too late as Lazio wrapped up the win with a late Hernanes strike.

“The only positive was the second half reaction and the way the team went looking for a goal,” Benitez said.

“Lazio played well, but at the end Ivan Cordoba’s chance could’ve made the difference. We wanted to control the game and find a balance, but they took the lead thanks to a marking error on a dead ball situation.”

The former Liverpool boss admitted injuries and suspensions played a part in his side’s poor performance with the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Diego Milito and Cristian Chivu missing.

“It was also tricky to get goals because our highest scorers this season, Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito, were unavailable due to bans and injury. We were unlucky,” he said.

“We will evaluate with the doctor how Milito, Cristian Chivu and MacDonald Mariga are doing, as they are closest to making their comebacks.”

Dejan Stankovic also left the field with a thigh complaint, but Benitez confirmed it was nothing serious.

In stark contrast to a disappointed Benitez, Lazio president Claudio Lotito was thrilled with the result.

“We dominated and could’ve won 4-0,” Lotito said.

“We played great football, moved like a team unit and had excellent individual contributions too. We deserved this victory and dominated the match.”