BAKU – "Inter were excellent in the first half, despite all the changes I'd made, and it shows that this group is growing. Going in 3-0 up at the interval having created so many chances is a good sign. We're working well. This is an important win because it's given me the answers I was looking for." That was Andrea Stramaccioni's reaction after seeing his side waltz to success over Neftchi in tonight's Europa League clash.
"That makes three wins in a row now for the team and I'm pleased with how they are doing - they're coming along well," the coach added. He was also keen to point out the number of youngsters in the side: "We had five players under 21 out there. It's the start of a new cycle. Now we can look to the derby."
The coach let out a smile when it was put to him that Inter go into Sunday's match as favourites: "After their win in Saint Petersburg I think Milan are the favourites... It will be tough, Milan are playing well now and it's going to be a great game. We've basically only got one day to prepare for it on the training ground but we'll manage."
Stramaccioni was asked whether Sneijder was really needed, considering how convincing Inter have been in his absence. The reply was short and simple: "It's always better to have Sneijder available."The next question brought the topic round to Coutinho: "I could see the boy's quality immediately. He's working hard and doing very well. I have lots of good things to say about him - about all five youngsters who played tonight. It's further proof of the excellent work being carried out by our youth academy and a sign of just how much talent we have in this squad. It's a step forward in terms of managing this squad. I think the lads showed a lot of personality and played some great football. There's no doubt in my mind about the quality of my players and we're a close-knit group - if a team makes seven changes and maintains its identity it must mean something."
At that point it was suggested that Stramaccioni had fielded his reserves. The coach replied: "I preferred to leave out those who had played five games in such a short space of time. I can't prove it now of course but I'm sure that if I had played them they would have found it difficult. I put out the best Inter team."
