Inter Milan boss praises leader Ivan Perisic

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Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti has heaped praise on Ivan Perisic following his performance in the 2-0 victory over Crotone.


The Nerazzurri preserved their 100 percent start to the Serie A season after goals from Milan Skriniar and Perisic sealed the points.

Speaking after the game, Spalletti insisted that Perisic's influence is beyond the playing field as he has sacrificed himself a lot, he said: "Perisic sacrificed himself a lot. Leaders show themselves when the team needs them and Ivan has shown that he is important in these opening matches. Teams that want to get results think this way, by dividing up strengths and weaknesses and by taking on responsibility when their teammates are in difficulty."

The Croatia international had verbally agreed terms with Manchester United earlier in the summer, but the move eventually fell through after the Red Devil declined to match his £49m valuation. The attacker has since committed his future to the Nerazzurri on a fresh five-year deal, and he appears to have already hit top form this season with three goals and three assists in the Serie A.

Meanwhile, Skriniar was also delighted by his contribution towards the win after he notched the first goal of the game in the 82nd minute, he said: "I am very happy for the goal but the most important thing is that we won even if we were not at our best."

The victory takes Inter Milan to 12 points for the campaign, and this sees them only behind Napoli and Juventus on goal difference. Cross-city rivals AC Milan have also made a good start with nine points after four games, and this could turn out to be one of the toughest Serie A campaigns for Juventus, who have won the last six Serie titles. Inter Milan will make the visit to Bologna for their next Serie A meeting on Tuesday night.