Inzaghi wants ‘perfect’ Inter against Napoli, ‘no guarantee’ on Thuram | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi believes it’s time for Inter to start to ‘be perfect’ in big matches as they prepare to travel to Napoli for a season-defining clash against Antonio Conte’s side.

The Nerazzurri manager is aware that his side hasn’t ‘performed as well as in previous years’ against the Serie A top opponents and warned his men that they’ll need to ‘pay attention to every detail’ if they want to come out on top of a strong Partenopei side.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Marko Arnautovic of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter will have limited options at left-back, with Carlos Augusto, Matteo Darmian and Nicola Zalewski all sidelined with injury, and Inzaghi also explained that ‘there’s no guarantee’ that Marcus Thuram will be able to start the match despite making progress towards his full recovery.

Inzaghi: Napoli vs Inter ‘not decisive’, I can change system

“The top two teams in the standings are facing off, and both deserve credit for their journey so far,” Inzaghi said at a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s showdown, as quoted by TMW.

“It will be an important match, though not decisive, as there are still 12 games left. We all know how crucial this game is, and Inter will need to be at their best because we are up against a team of absolute quality.

“We need to come out of a tough match in the best possible way, but we know the path we’ve taken. In big matches, we haven’t performed as well as in previous years—it’s a fact. We need to be perfect, and so far, we haven’t been.

“You can plan a game, but you can’t control everything. The opponent is in great shape, has been at the top for a long time, and has an excellent coach. We will need to play with intensity, aggression, and determination. That’s what big matches require—paying attention to every detail.

epa11713788 Napoli’s head coach Antonio Conte gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Inter and Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 10 November 2024. EPA-EFE/NICOLA MARFISI

“Napoli have changed their formation and system, but they remain a team of top-quality players with an excellent coach.

“They are very well-organized and know exactly what to do on the pitch, regardless of the system. They deserve credit for their strong campaign, and tomorrow’s match will be a great challenge.”

Inzaghi provided updates on Thuram’s condition and suggested that a tactical change ‘could be an option’ given Inter’s injury crisis affecting their left flank.

“Sommer, Carlos Augusto, Darmian, and Zalewski will be unavailable,” the coach added.

“The last three play in the same position, so a system change, as seen against Lazio, could be an option. We’ll decide tomorrow.

“Thuram partially trained on Wednesday, then worked well yesterday and today, giving positive signals. We’ll see in the morning whether he starts. I tested him today, but there’s no guarantee that he will start.

“Yes, it’s a fact that these crucial games often come after Champions League matches—it’s just a coincidence.

“We had initially planned to prepare for this game with a full week of training since the Coppa Italia was scheduled for a different time. But we’ll adapt and approach the match in the best possible way.

“I also tried Correa and Frattesi in that position [wing-back], due to squad needs, but I have options like Pavard or Bisseck for that role. I can also change the system.

epa11713791 Inter Milan�s coach Simone Inzaghi gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Inter and Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 10 November 2024. EPA-EFE/NICOLA MARFISI

“In my three and a half years here, I’ve never dealt with three injuries out of four in the same area. Carlos Augusto is crucial because he can play as a center-back, full-back, or wing-back.”

Should we still consider Juventus for the title race?

“Yes, I said it in mid-January and early February,” Inzaghi observed.

“The standings were tight, even with Lazio, and I mentioned that with a winning streak, Juventus could get back into the race. Their latest victory has made the table even closer.”