Leonardo happy with Inter response

Posted Monday, February 28, 2011 by Soccerway.com

Inter Milan boss Leonardo was happy his side bounced back from their midweek Champions League defeat with a Serie A victory on Sunday.

After suffering a 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie, Inter recovered to deny a buoyant Sampdoria 2-0 on Sunday.

Wesley Sneijder scored the opener for Inter in the 73rd minute, before Samuel Eto'o sealed the result in the fourth minute of injury time.

"I am satisfied with the result, as it was a very delicate match. After the loss to Bayern, it was important to win," Leonardo told Sky.

"Everyone played very well from Julio Cesar, to all the defence. (Dejan) Stankovic and Sneijder were extraordinary, as were (Giampaolo) Zanetti, (Javier) Pazzini, (Housine) Kharja and everyone else."

"Winning this evening, we had to claim more than just three points, as we are tired from our recent matches."

Inter sit second in the Serie A standings, though they could relinquish that place should third-place Napoli defeat leaders AC Milan on Monday.

Leonardo, however, says he hopes his title rivals can play out a draw at the San Siro.

"We are in an excellent position on the ladder, and tomorrow I will be supporting a draw. But thinking about us, the next three league matches will help us shape our future," he said.