Leonardo relieved after Inter scare

Inter Milan boss Leonardo paid tribute to Cesena after the Serie A strugglers gave his side a scare on Wednesday.

Inter ran out 3-2 winners at the San Siro in Wednesday’s rescheduled top-flight clash, with Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito putting the hosts 2-0 up within the first 15 minutes.

But the treble-winning champions were nearly brought undone soon after as Erjon Bogdani and Emanuele Giaccherini drew Cesena level with strikes before the half hour.

Christian Chivu scored in the shadows of half-time to restore Inter’s advantage, and the improving Italian giants held on through a nervous second half for a fourth straight league victory under Leonardo.

The Brazilian boss credited his side’s improved defence in the second half for keeping Cesena at bay, with goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi a standout for his hard work in the net.

“We started excellently, but we have to give credit to Cesena for coming back from two goals down,” Leonardo told reporters.

“We scored two quick goals, but we weren’t mentally ready in defence.”

“We hadn’t had anything to do, so weren’t organized and suddenly we have conceded a goal. But I’m pleased with how our defence improved later on.”

“The ball pinged around a lot out there, but we worked extremely hard and deserved the win.”

Cesena coach Massimo Ficcadenti was upbeat despite the loss, arguing his men had done well to nearly hold the form side in the Italian league.

“We nearly matched the strongest team of the moment,” Ficcadenti said.

“At 2-0 it could have been a blowout but we did well to stay in the game. I think we did well to come close (to Inter).”