Inzaghi says Scudetto won't define Inter's season
Simone Inzaghi insists Inter Milan's season will be defined as a success even if it fails to win the Serie A title on Monday (AEST).
Inzaghi's side heads into the final matchday of the Serie A campaign two points behind leader and fierce rival AC Milan, which require just a point at Sassuolo to win the title because of a superior head-to-head record.
Inter hosts Sampdoria, which has won just one of its past 19 league visits to the Nerazzurri, knowing the Serie A title is out of its hands as it relies on Stefano Pioli's Milan faltering.
Regardless of the title outcome, Inzaghi views the season as a success after winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, while making the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, where it was defeated by Liverpool.
"We have won two cups, expressed ourselves well, returned to the [UEFA] Champions League last 16 and are fighting for the title on the final day of the season," Inzaghi said at Sunday's (AEST) pre-match news conference.
"The team has had a great year and I am very happy. It would be extraordinary to win the Scudetto as well, but we have given everything and we know we have given satisfaction to our fans."
Inter sits on 81 points heading into the final day, and 80-plus points have been enough for the Nerazzurri to win the title on five of the previous six occasions they have passed that mark.
However, should Milan avoid defeat at Sassuolo, the 2021-2022 campaign will follow suit with the 2019-2020 term when Inter finished second behind Juventus, despite collecting 82 points.
Inzaghi will be bitterly disappointed should Inter miss out to neighbour Milan, but he does not expect to come under criticism for failing to defend the title that Antonio Conte's Nerazzurri won last season.
"I have an excellent relationship with Antonio, there is mutual respect," he said of Conte. "Comparisons are normal, but I have never given those any weight.
"The club has always been with me from day one. It will have been a satisfactory year for our work anyway.
"The coaches are always under scepticism, we knew how things were and the demands of the club. Along the way we realised that we have gone beyond expectations."
Meanwhile, Ivan Perisic has hinted at a move away when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Asked about a renewal after the Coppa Italia win, Perisic said: "I don't know, but with the important players [the club] doesn't wait until the last moment."
But Inzaghi assured there will be discussions with the Croatia international, whom he feels is a special player.
"I think he went further; until you train a player you can't realise," Inzaghi said when asked if Perisic has lived up to expectations.
"Perisic has always been special to watch. He has had an extraordinary season – I think he has outdone himself.
"There will be a meeting with the club. I hope there will be progress. He is an important player for Inter. There is a great, open relationship and we will take stock of everything."
