Koné scored on six and 37 minutes to give Roma a 2-0 half-time lead, and Lautaro equalised with goals on 46 and 79 minutes. The point left both sides on 13, level with Lazio at the top of the table. A minute’s silence was held before kick-off for Inter legend Sandro Mazzola, who passed away at the age of 83.
AS Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini was satisfied with his side’s performance, though he admitted some regret at having let a two-goal lead slip against an Inter side in excellent form.
“I’m satisfied with the performance, it’s clear that there is a bit of regret when you go 2-0. In front of us we had a very strong team. We have to leave here aware that we have taken steps forward. The goal at the start of the second half gave them energy, whereas at the end of the first half they seemed in difficulty: in the details we can become better, but we are well ahead. It gives me satisfaction.”
He was asked about Lautaro, who scored against Roma once again.
“He always scores against me and I told him to stop it (laughs). He scores against everyone. Lautaro is a great champion.”
Gasperini was also asked about Mazzola.
“I played against Mazzola once. Beyond that, he was a flag recognised even by opponents. He was one of the symbols of football. I never really had the chance to get to know him, but we all appreciated him.”
Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu praised his team’s reaction, but said they cannot wait until they are behind to show it.
“Let’s start from that.. the match lasts 90 minutes, you have to do what was done in the second half. You have to react. We faced a difficult team, on a tough pitch. We can improve in everything.”
Chivu said he would take the credit for the impact of the two forwards introduced from the bench, and was asked whether reacting could be a double-edged sword.
“I don’t think anyone thinks they’re capable of reacting to difficulties and comes in flat from the first minute. In football there are many things: desire to win duels, work with and without the ball... But today we were playing against a strong team and we knew it.
"We must not wait to react, we can play certain games from the start too. We need to start showing who we are from the first minute.”