Andy Diouf insisted he would not get carried away by his late heroics in Inter’s 2-1 win over Karlsruher SC, adding he will continue to take pre-season “one step at a time.”
Inter began their pre-season preparations against second-tier German opposition in Karlsruher, but were forced to come from behind after Tim Civeja’s 50th-minute opener.
Cristian Chivu’s side created several chances in both halves to get themselves in front but were met by Hans Christian Bernat, whose inspired display saw him make nine saves.
However, Bernat was finally beaten in the first minute of second-half stoppage time by Diouf, who thundered a brilliant left-footed strike in at the near post from 25 yards out.
And there was to be more drama. Alessandro Bastoni’s pass found Diouf, who took a touch before bending his effort into the top-left corner in the 94th minute to seal the win.
Inter were deserving victors, having registered an expected goals (xG) total of 1.5 from their 24 shots to Karlsruher’s tally of 1.0 from their 12 attempts in the contest.
But with tougher tests to come for Inter before kicking off their Serie A title defence against Monza on August 22, Diouf acknowledged there was room for improvement.
“The sensations are good, but we are only at the beginning. It was the first game. We have worked hard in this training camp, every day, but we take one step at a time,” he said.
“The second goal? When I control the ball, I immediately look at the goal. I often try to do it in training; in the game, I try to do the same things.
“I just try to do my best and help the team. I feel good on the pitch, but I still have to work hard because the one on the outside is not my natural position.
“I talk a lot with the coach; now we will still have a lot of time to work. I think it’s positive to end such an intense training camp with a good result.”
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Inter’s pre-season also includes clashes against Manchester City and Serie A rivals AC Milan and Juventus before getting their domestic campaign up and running.
With many of their team still absent following their World Cup commitments, Chivu used the Karlsruher encounter as an opportunity to field some of Inter’s younger players.
Mattia Marello and Jamal Iddrissou, both of whom are 18 years old, started the match, while fellow youngsters Mattia Mosconi, Matteo Lavelli, Luka Topalovic, Yvan Maye and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro also came on for Inter.
“It was an indescribable emotion, both for the game and for the result. I’m happy; the victory is the result of the work in the training camp,” Marello said.
“It was challenging, but it will be useful for the whole year. A piece of advice from the coach? He told me to play simply. I tried.
“The goal for me is to be able to play in the first team, but I’m already happy to train with them. I am very proud. I thank the coach and my teammates who give me confidence.”
