Leonardo proud of ´mature´ Inter

Inter Milan boss Leonardo was impressed with his side’s maturity after beating Fiorentina 3-1 on Sunday.

The result saw Inter jump back into second place in Serie A – and they did it without several first-team regulars as they prepare for a Coppa Italia semi-final second-leg against Roma on Wednesday.

Goals to Giampaolo Pazzini and Esteban Cambiasso had Inter 2-0 ahead inside the first 30 minutes and although Alberto Gilardino brought Fiorentina back into the game with a 74th-minute goal, talented Brazilian Philippe Coutinho made sure of the result with his strike three minutes later.

“This victory was needed to ensure our Champions League spot and second place. It was another show of maturity and belief in our capabilities,” Leonardo said.

“It wasn’t easy to get the situation back on track after that cursed week against Milan and Schalke, but we’ve done it.”

When asked to reflect on the season, Leonardo admitted he would not have changed his decisions and blamed a 3-0 derby defeat in April at the hands of champions-elect AC Milan as a reason as to why his side did not win the league.

“Looking back, there is nothing I’d change. It’s all part of the journey. The derby defeat was certainly crucial for the Scudetto, but even with hindsight I would’ve made the same decisions,” he said.

“Milan won the Scudetto and therefore deserved it. They’re a great squad and I have no problem looking at my past. Looking at our season with neutral eyes, it remains positive.”

Leonardo also reflected on his side’s trophy success and said he has never contemplated leaving his post at Inter.

“Clearly Inter want to win everything, but the club already picked up the Italian Super Cup and Club World Cup, while we can reach the Coppa Italia final,” he said.

“As for my future, I have never thought about leaving Inter. I have a contract and want to respect it, even if I know a coach is always judged on his results.”