Inter players look set to be given a “prize” from club president Steven Zhang after their dramatic 2-1 Supercoppa Italiana success over Juventus, according to coach Simone Inzaghi.
The Nerazzurri lifted the first piece of silverware of the Italian season late in extra-time, with Alexis Sanchez netting the decisive goal.
Weston McKennie had previously given Juve the lead, before a Lautaro Martinez penalty tied it up.
The two teams would remain level throughout the second half and for much of the additional 30 minutes.
That was until an error from Alex Sandro allowed Matteo Darmian to nudge the ball to Sanchez, who prodded home from close range with the last kick of the game to spark joyous celebrations.
It ensured Inzaghi became the first coach to beat Juventus in three finals (since 1929-30), as he continued his 100 per cent success rate in the Supercoppa.
Inzaghi spoke briefly after the game before sending his assistant to the news conference on account of losing his voice, revealing what president Zhang had told the players afterwards.
6 – #Inter have won their 6th Italian Super Cup, behind only Juventus (nine) and AC Milan (seven) – they lifted the trophy for the first time since 2010. Return. #InterJuve #InterVsJuveFinal #SupercoppaFrecciarossa pic.twitter.com/6165kJrlyJ
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) January 12, 2022
“He [Zhang] was very happy,” Inzaghi told Mediaset. “He brought the team together and complimented us.
“The boys responded, they wanted a prize and I think the president will grant it.”
While Inter will hope to add more significant titles to their collection later in the season, namely the Scudetto, Zhang suggested this success – coupled with their place at the top of the Serie A table – shows their hard work is paying off.
He told Inter TV: “This is a really special moment for us; we’re delighted. The team played great, we’re also top of the league, and this trophy is the fruits of the labour of both the coach and the players.
“I’m really happy with the result. This trophy win in what’s a difficult time in football spurs us on. All of this is down to all the hard work we’ve put in together over these last six years.
“I’d like to dedicate this win to all of the Inter fans around the world and everyone who works for the club. They’re the ones who have carried this project forward.”
