Asllani: ‘Inter felt fatigue against Genoa’

Kristjan Asllani admits Inter were feeling some ‘fatigue’ in the hard-fought 2-1 win over Genoa and reveals what he felt when scoring his first goal for the club.

The Nerazzurri are unstoppable in 2024, winning all 12 of their matches played between Serie A, the Supercoppa Italiana and the Champions League.

Asllani scored his first Serie A goal in the Inter jersey to open the scoring after a good Genoa start, then Alexis Sanchez converted a contentious penalty.

The Grifone fought back with a Johan Vasquez volley from the edge of the area and saw an equaliser ruled offside for Vitinha.

• Raspadori Napoli‘s Juventus Killer, Roma‘s Dybala On Fire & More – Listen to the new episode of the Italian Football Podcast here.

“This is a very important victory, as Genoa came here with a lot of points behind them, they play good football and we conceded an avoidable goal, but we did well to suffer together as a team,” Asllani told Sky Sport Italia.

“There was a little fatigue in the second half, but these three points are fundamental, as we wanted to extend our lead a little more.”

Juventus were beaten 1-0 by Napoli last night, so this means that Inter go 15 points clear at the top of the table and surely now have their arms wrapped around the Scudetto trophy.

“We know it is an important advantage, but Bologna are coming up next, that is fundamental too and we go there with the hope of keeping the run going.”

It is Asllani’s first goal for Inter, and only his second in Serie A, as the other was for Empoli against Inter also at San Siro.

So who does he dedicate it to?

“I dedicate it to my family, but also to these lads in the squad who help me every day, all came to hug me and were really happy for me. To be honest, I had waited a long time for this goal and hoped it would come at San Siro, as it’s a special emotion scoring here.”

It was a great gift, as he will celebrate his 22^nd birthday later this week.