Yann Sommer Reveals The Secret Behind His Penalty Heroic As Inter Midfielder Wants More Responsibility
Written By Onyeka Daniel
Despite the challenges set before them, Inter Milan were able to overcome Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi stadium, winning courtesy of a header from their captain, Lautaro Martinez to jump ahead of their rival Juventus at the top of the table, with a game in hand of course.
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Before the game kicked off, Simone Inzaghi had to field a totally different midfield as first choice, Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu were suspended and the duo of Kristjan Asllani and Davide Frattesi stepped and it was the Albanian who took the corner that was headed in by Lautaro.
After taking the lead, the Viola were awarded a penalty in the second half, but the resulting spot kick was saved by Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer to help his team grab all available 3 points. The Swiss goalkeeper feels that his penalty save against Fiorentina was the result of careful preparation.
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The former Borussia Moechengladbach and Bayern Munich goalkeeper said that he “studied” the penalty-takers for the opposition and was able to guess the right way to dive in an interview with InterTV after the game. Sommer’s save on a Nico Gonzalez penalty during the second half was certainly an important one for Inter.
While Gonzalez’s penalty was hardly the most difficult one for Sommer to save, as his effort was struck to the bottom left corner, at a slow pace, the same way, Jorginho plays his penalty, meaning that there wasn’t enough power to behind it. Still, Sommer had to react quickly and go the right way.
And once the Inter keeper got down he needed the confidence and composure to keep hold of the ball and not spill it in front of a Fiorentina player. “We studied the penalty-takers before the match as we always do,” Sommer said. “We’re happy with this win because it was a tough match, and important for us.” As far as whether he’s having his best season, the 35-year-old said “I don’t know.”
“I’m doing very well,” he continued. “And I’m happy to play for this club.” “You can see it. We play with passion in every match.” Sommer added that “We still have a long way to go. We have to keep going like this.” And as far as his increasing leadership role in the Inter team, Sommer noted that “At the beginning, obviously it wasn’t very easy because of the language barrier.”
“But I try to help the team by giving my contribution on the pitch. And also learn Italian in the dressing room.” He further added. With regards to the incident that lead to the penalty, Sommer continues to insist that he got to the ball first. Fiorentina striker M’Bala Nzola was challenging for the ball, trying to head it into the Inter goal. But it was Sommer who got to the ball first.
The Inter keeper did get a touch on the ball, the video replays indicated. But with the same motion, Sommer also struck the Fiorentina striker in the head. Initially, referee Gianluca Aureliano saw it as a fair challenge by the Nerazzurri keeper.
But after some advice from the VAR, the referee went over the monitor and awarded a penalty for a foul on Nzola. Sommer said that “It was a difficult situation.” “I was certain that I had touched the ball first,” the Swiss international said. “But then the referee decided made his decision.” He revealed in a separate interview after the win.
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For Asllani, he wants to keep taking on more responsibility at Inter. The 21-year-old spoke after the game to Sky Sport, downplaying the idea that the match was an “exam” for him.
The Albanian got his first start this season for Inter, and his performance showed that he did not have any lack of self-belief or maturity, as he helped Inter to an important win that will definitely count for something in the Scudetto race against Juventus. “My teammates congratulated me. But it was not a ‘final exam.’”
“I have to take responsibility,” the 21-year-old continued. “This is a fantastic team and a fantastic group,” he went on. Asllani said that “Lautaro is a true captain. One of the first to help me, to lift my mood every day.” “Even during the transfer window,” the young midfielder added.
Asllani said of Martinez that “He’s an incredible captain, I have to thank him for everything he does.” “He’s a true leader. He always raises the bar for us.” Asllani called the win over Fiorentina “An important match in a difficult away stadium.” “We have to think one match at a time,” he said.
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Of coming up against La Viola, Asllani said that “We had to suffer. They raised their defensive line and made life difficult for us on some high balls.” “But in the end we did well to suffer and take the three points.” He concluded.
The team will now have some rest before resuming preparations for the Derby d’Italia next month, a match that could potentially decide their Scudetto dream, as a win in that game will take them 4 points clear of their rival in second place, while also having a game in hand too.
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