Skriniar: "Patience, solidity and determination key to victory"

TIRASPOL – Three is the magic number. Three goals against Sheriff, three points to take home to Italy, and three goals this season for Milan Skriniar. 

After scoring against Genoa and Bologna, the defender chose the Nerazzurri's Champions League Matchday 4 fixture in Tiraspol as the right time to notch his first-ever goal in European competitions. A goal that required intuition (right place at the right time) and determination (stabbing home at the second attempt).

"It was exactly the sort of game we expected it to be,” the Slovakia defender commented after the match. “We came out even more determined after the interval. We bided our time and managed to get the breakthrough then we put the game to bed. We want to advance in the Champions League and winning tonight was crucial. These are three massive points.”

Sheriff are renowned for being deadly on the counter-attack but Inter restricted their opponents to very few chances. 

"We did a really good job of keeping our shape and made sure our positioning was on point at all times,” the 26-year-old added. “We're defending better as a team now and that's really important.

“I'm pleased with my goal. I want to dedicate it to my daughter and my family.”

A Champions League win was also the perfect way to get ready for Sunday's match against AC Milan.

“The derby is just around the corner but winning tonight will help as prepare for it well. It's going to be a completely different match though. It'll be very tough.”