Simone Inzaghi marked his 200th game as Inter Milan coach in a memorable way, celebrating qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals for the second time under his leadership. Beyond the comfortable aggregate victory against Feyenoord, it’s the Nerazzurri’s newfound confidence on the international stage that is garnering widespread praise.
Among those recently lauding the coach from Piacenza is Thierry Henry, now a respected pundit for CBS Sports.
“Inter seems in control even when defending deep. Look at the match against Arsenal; they defended deep and conceded few chances. People talk about the team, but they don’t often talk about the coach. Inzaghi is exceptional for what he offers tactically,” stated the former French international.
“When you see your central defenders in midfield, the left wing-back so high up the pitch, the central defender in the middle crossing into the box for the other central defender, the midfielders playing deep to bring the ball out – I haven’t seen this often in history, especially in Italy. They are a team to respect, and a coach to respect equally,” Henry concluded.
Having eliminated Feyenoord, Inter now faces Bayern Munich in April for the Champions League quarter-finals. The first leg will be played on April 8th at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with Inter having the chance to secure passage at home in San Siro the following week. The winner will then face either Barcelona or the winner of the tie between Lille and Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals (1-1 in Germany in the first leg).