Inzaghi: Scudetto will not define Inter´s season

Simone Inzaghi insists Inter’s season will be defined as a success even if they fail to win the Scudetto.

Inzaghi’s side head into the final matchday of the Serie A campaign two points behind leaders and fierce rivals Milan, who require just a point at Sassuolo to win the title due to a superior head-to-head record.

Inter host Sampdoria, who have won just one of their last 19 league visits to the Nerazzurri, knowing the Serie A title is out of their hands as they rely on Stefano Pioli’s Milan faltering on Sunday.

Regardless of the title outcome, Inzaghi views the season as a success after winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, while making the Champions League last 16, where they were defeated by Liverpool.

“We have won two cups, expressed ourselves well, returned to the Champions League last 16 and are fighting for the title on the final day of the season,” Inzaghi said at Saturday’s pre-match news conference.

“The team has had a great year and I am very happy. It would be extraordinary to win the Scudetto as well, but we have given everything and we know we have given satisfaction to our fans.”

Inter sit on 81 points heading into the final day, and 80-plus points have been enough for the Nerazzurri to win the title on five of the previous six occasions they have passed that mark.

However, should Milan avoid defeat at Sassuolo, the 2021-22 campaign will follow suit with the 2019-20 term when Inter finished second behind Juventus, despite collecting 82 points.

Inzaghi will be bitterly disappointed should Inter miss out to neighbours Milan, but he does not expect to come under criticism for failing to defend the title that Antonio Conte’s Nerazzurri won last season.

“I have an excellent relationship with Antonio, there is mutual respect,” he said of Conte. “Comparisons are normal, but I have never given those any weight.

“The club has always been with me from day one. It will have been a satisfactory year for our work anyway.

“The coaches are always under scepticism, we knew how things were and the demands of the club. Along the way we realised that we have gone beyond expectations.”

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Meanwhile, Ivan Perisic has hinted at a move away when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Asked about a renewal after the Coppa Italia win, Perisic told Mediaset: “I don’t know, but with the important players [the club] doesn’t wait until the last moment.”

But Inzaghi assured there will be discussions with the Croatia international, who he feels is a special player.

“I think he went further; until you train a player you can’t realise,” Inzaghi said when asked if Perisic has lived up to expectations.

“Perisic has always been special to watch. He has had an extraordinary season – I think he has outdone himself.

“There will be a meeting with the club. I hope there will be progress. He is an important player for Inter. There is a great, open relationship and we will take stock of everything.”