Inzaghi: Inter ‘damaged’ by referees in 2024-25, ‘unforgettable’ wins over Barça and Bayern
Former Inter coach Simone Inzaghi is ‘shocked’ to see the Nerazzurri mentioned in a refereeing scandal in Serie A, as he feels the team was ‘damaged and not favoured’ last season, and insists that wins over Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the Champions League were as exciting as trophies.
Former Inter coach Inzaghi had his say on the refereeing scandal that has broken out in Serie A.
Referee Designator Rocchi has suspended himself from his duties after the Milan Prosecutor alleged that he influenced VAR decisions and assigned referees favoured by Inter for some games in 2024-25.
Recent reports, however, suggest that Rocchi never met Inter executives and that no players or directors from the Nerazzurri or any other Serie A club are under investigation.
“It shocked me. Inter lost many points last season due to refereeing mistakes in Serie A and the Supercoppa,” Inzaghi told Gazzetta.
“It’s surprising to be mentioned in this story, given that we were damaged and not favoured.
“How can you think about a scheme? It was an unfortunate season for us. I’ve always had great respect for the referees’ work, and I don’t want to talk about Napoli, who honestly won the Scudetto,” Inzaghi continued.
“But there’s still a feeling that something was taken away from us. I’m not accusing anyone, and I have no doubts about good faith. Let’s say we were unlucky, and everything went against us. There’s still a disappointment that won’t go away. It’s painful to lose the title for just one point.”
Inzaghi spent four seasons at Inter, winning one Serie A title and reaching the Champions League Final twice.
“I won a lot in four years, and I’m happy with the results,” he said.
“We reached two Champions League Finals. I accept criticism anyway, as long as they concern me and not the footballers, because they always gave me everything they had.
“I wouldn’t change anything. We had a dream, the treble. At the end of the season, we paid a high price for the 23 games we played more than Napoli,” he added.
“Inter have the duty to compete at all levels, and those nights against Bayern and Barcelona will remain in my mind more than trophies—unforgettable victories.”
Last season’s 5-0 loss in the Champions League Final against PSG was Inzaghi’s last game with Inter.
“We arrived at the game without much energy, both physically and mentally,” he explained.
“It’s not an excuse, but a fact. The disappointment of losing the title affected our self-esteem. PSG are a top side as we saw the other night against Bayern. It still hurts to have lost that way, but we can’t forget what had happened before in Europe.”
Is it true that he told Inter players he would leave the club days before the final?
“Absolutely no. I couldn’t have done it because the decision, which was very painful for my family and me, had not been made,” he insisted.
“The truth is that everything happened very quickly. Two days after the Champions League Final, we met at Marotta’s home, with Ausilio and Baccin. In that context, I expressed the desire to change because I felt a cycle had ended. They wanted to continue, but understood my decision. We left as friends, and we still are. If we had won the Champions League, I would have stayed.”
Inzaghi was appointed by Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal last year and has no regret about his decision.
“Luckily, money has never been a problem. I don’t need it,” he said.
“I had a fantastic home in Milan, from which I could see everything, including San Siro. Their offer convinced me, and here I am. Happy to be here.”
The Nerazzurri are now close to winning the Scudetto under Cristian Chivu.
“They’ve been very good. Winning is never easy, and it is Chivu’s merit too,” Inzaghi said.
“I knew the group, and I had no doubts about the players’ capabilities. But it was also the right decision to pick Cristian, and I knew it because I had seen how he worked. Now they must celebrate and try to win the Coppa Italia.”
The Coppa Italia Final, set for May 13, will see Inter face Lazio, two of Inzaghi’s former clubs. Who will he support?
“Nobody, I’ll sit down and enjoy the spectacle,” he said.
“They are two clubs that have given me a lot, so may the best win. Anything can happen in a final.”
Federico Dimarco and Piotr Zielinski appeared to criticise Inzaghi’s management in recent months.
“Federico has had great seasons with me, and he knows it well. I kept him at Inter after seeing him in training for ten days; otherwise, he might have left on loan again. Perhaps his words were misunderstood. We have a great relationship, and we are still in contact,” Inzaghi concluded.
“I’ve read many things about Zielinski, too, but people forget it was me who wanted him at Inter when Marotta and Ausilio said there was a chance. Unfortunately, he had many fitness problems last season and struggled to show his quality.”