Fonseca: A strong performance but it's two points dropped

Leonardo Spinazzola and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored to give the Giallorossi a 2-1 advantage at the Stadio Olimpico - only for a late penalty to allow Romelu Lukaku the chance to equalise.

Here's what the Portuguese coach told reporters after the game...

You were in complete control of the game tonight. Is it two points dropped?

“Yes, clearly, we ended up dropping two points this evening. We played really well, Inter didn’t create many chances and ended up scoring from a set-piece and a bit of misfortune on our part. That’s football, though. I’m pleased with the team’s performance, but not the result.”

Just a few weeks ago the situation was very different – now after the latest batch of games things seem to have improved. Is the new system responsible for that?

“The side keeps learning and improving in all regards: tactically, physically. This is a new system for them, but we are playing well like this.”

Have you found the right players for the system, and is that making the difference?

“With this setup both Spinazzola and Bruno Peres, two strong players going forward, have a bit more freedom to do that. Pellegrini and Mkhitaryan can be a bit more central and that gives them more opportunities to receive the ball and push the pace.

"For Veretout as well it suits him, because he can push forward and the side remains balanced defensively either way. With this formation we are doing a lot of things well, we are pressing high up – we have a different aggression about us.”

In this system can Gianluca Mancini be more aggressive in trying to cut out the play, and less worried about covering the backline?

“I think so. We have Ibanez too who is doing well, he’s a fast centre-back who can cover in behind well. Kolarov played well too in that position, for the second game in a row. I’m pleased with our centre-backs. They are all players who have quality on the ball as well.”

Is this three-man backline the answer for the Europa League as well?

“Let’s see how the side is looking at the end of the season, but I have confidence in this setup.”

Have you dispensed with any thoughts of using wingers who cut inside in this system? Are you unhappy about the players you have in that role?

“No. Right now we have Pellegrini and Mkhitaryan, two players who take responsibility defensively as well. They are playing well and I am pleased with the way both of them are performing right now.”