Inzaghi seeking defensive improvements

​Filippo Inzaghi believes Milan still have work to do to improve their defensive record following their 3-1 Serie A win at Verona on Sunday.

Inzaghi’s men sealed back-to-back victories with a fine performance at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi, an own goal from Rafael Marques giving them the lead before a Keisuke Honda double effectively sealed the victory.

Nico Lopez pulled one back late on for Verona, who were then reduced to 10 men when Rafael Marquez was shown a second yellow card.

Despite their display, Inzaghi was disappointed not to keep a clean sheet and is eager for Milan – who top the Serie A scoring charts with 16 goals – to keep improving.

“Today we are very happy, as this was a great performance despite missing important players,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am a little angry that we didn’t keep our second consecutive clean sheet, but [Christian] Abbiati did a great job in goal and is a guarantee.

“It was a great victory, we should enjoy it, but I am already looking forward to Fiorentina [next Sunday]. I can say two consecutive wins represent a fine boost for this team.

“We know that we have to improve. Looking at the goals we have conceded, there were four in that bizarre game at Parma [5-4 win], Empoli’s two [in a 2-2 draw] were from set plays and against Cesena [1-1 draw] we practically scored it ourselves.

“We have to get better at the back, but the fact we are top scorers is very satisfying for a coach, as that means we have the attacking and entertaining approach I wanted.

“This team still needs more confidence after a very tough year and our spirit is to always attack, though of course a big club also has to control the game once in the lead, as we risked letting Verona back in for 3-2.”

The 41-year-old reserved special praise for Honda after the Japan playmaker took his tally for the season to six in seven games.

“At the start of August I talked about Honda, so I knew he’d deliver,” Inzaghi added.

“I was looking for a left-footed player for the 4-3-3 and as time went on I realised Honda was that man. He has technique, but also great strength and ran so much today.”