Andreazzoli relieved to overcome Inter

Roma interim head coach Aurelio Andreazzoli has slammed his team’s first half in their Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Inter Milan.

In Wednesday’s clash at the San Siro, Inter was on top at the break after the home side scored the only goal of the first half to take the aggregate score to 2-2, which would have seen the Milan-based club go through on away goals.

While Roma came from behind to win the second leg 3-2 and wrap up a 5-3 aggregate victory, Andreazzoli remained unimpressed by his team’s performance before half-time.

“We were without any tactical organisation and without great determination and when this happens, the opponents find strong chances on the pitch because they are excellent opponents,” Andreazzoli said after the match.

“When you play for a chance to make a final you cannot let yourself play without the determination to succeed, we did that in the first half but were much better after the break.”

With Roma striker Mattia Destro scoring a second-half brace against his former employers, the capital club advanced to their 17th Coppa Italia final.

Andreazzoli, who replaced Zdenek Zeman in February, would undoubtedly strengthen his case to continue as head coach next season if he helped Roma to their 10th Coppa Italia title, something no other Italian club has managed.

But the 59-year-old has claimed he already feels like the permanent head coach.

“I have felt like I am Roma’s coach since the very first day here, when the club had the courage to call me and give me this chance,” Andreazzoli said.

“I’ve always felt I’m this team’s coach even with the interim title, it is a great responsibility and great joy because I like doing this job, it’s tough but satisfying.

“I’m satisfied because I work with a great group of players and I think that together with my staff I helped them re-find something of essential important in football, and I’m talking about the desire to get to the training sessions, the desire to be part of a group, the desire to suffer together and to play together, that’s important for any team which craves success.”