Inter boss Antonio Conte refused to blame his players after they threw away a lead to draw 2-2 at Hellas Verona on Thursday.
The Nerazzurri had been leading going into the final five minutes at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi but Miguel Veloso showed wonderful composure to seal a point for the hosts.
Inter had forged ahead early in the second half thanks to an Antonio Candreva strike and own goal from Federico Dimarco after Darko Lazovic had given Verona a second-minute lead.
It is the second time in five days Inter have thrown away a lead following their 2-1 defeat to Bologna on Sunday but Conte would not be drawn into criticising his side.
“In terms of effort, hunger and determination, I have no complaints,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Let’s not forget, we played against a Verona side that keeps a high tempo and makes that its greatest strength. I think Inter replied blow for blow.
“There is the usual regret that we conceded a goal five minutes from time on a throw-in. These are situations that are disappointing because you drop points along the way and they add up. We deserved to win the game.
“Verona barely had a shot on goal in the second half. We conceded through a throw-in and ball across to a player on the edge of the box.
“I don’t want to say too much as people love to claim I always criticise, criticise, criticise. I don’t; I just want to help everyone improve and move forward.”
Inter have now dropped a whopping 20 points from leading positions in Serie A this season, with Conte well aware it is an issue that needs resolving swiftly.
“We’re doing important work and I focus on that,” he added. “I think you can see the results of the work we’re doing. The fact we lost 20 points should push us to reflect and continue improving.
“We’re well aware that we dropped points in a stupid fashion throughout the season, otherwise we’d be talking about a very different campaign.”
Inter now sit fourth in Serie A, 10 points shy of league leaders Juventus, and are next in action on Monday against Torino.
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