Handanovic: "We knew what we had to do to win"

MILAN – Less than a minute: 52 seconds that could’ve changed the story of the Derby. But there was no change in the story, with the Rossoneri being pushed back three times at the start of the second half following three big saves. First, Samir Handanovic leaped like a cat to block two Zlatan Ibrahimovic headers. Then, he denied Tonali. He kept Inter's 1-0 lead intact, an advantage that the Nerazzurri would later build upon.

In his post-match interview, the Inter captian gave his thoughts on the match: “There are no easy saves: when you think it’s going to be a routine save, that’s when you make a mistake.”

Inter won well and with a comfortable scoreline: “In a Derby, you can’t expect AC Milan to never shoot. They started the second half well, but we were ready to maintain our lead when it mattered. We had prepared for this match for a whole week: we knew what we had to do to win.

“A team is made of many different parts: we are a good group, with both footballing and human quality. For me, Inter started to change with Spalletti’s arrival and, latterly, Conte’s. We’re doing great work with the Coach and we’re getting there bit by bit. In order to build a team, it’s necessary to lose every now and then, to make mistakes, but it’s also necessary to have your good days. This is undoubtedly the hungriest Inter side I’ve ever played for.”

On the team’s job: “Everything always starts from the attackers, from their selfless work. Our strikers are the first to track back and defend and they make a very significant contribution when we aren’t in possession.”