Zanetti encouraged by fighting spirit

5 March 2012 09:57

Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti has praised his team's attitude after they came from behind to draw 2-2 at home to Catania on Sunday.

Inter went in at half-time trailing 2-0, but were able to rescue a point following goals from Diego Forlan and Diego Milito in the last 20 minutes of the Serie A match.

Zanetti, 38, felt goalkeeper Julio Cesar played a crucial part in the side's comeback at San Siro, as they ended a sequence of five defeats in succession.

"Considering how it was going, we showed great character," Zanetti told Inter's television channel.

"It was not easy, because after our good start, Catania hit us hard with two goals."

"At half-time, Julio Cesar gave us a team talk in the locker room and I have to compliment him for that."

"We are all aware that this situation is not good and we want to get back to picking up points."

Zanetti also commented on an incident involving club veteran Esteban Cambiasso, who started crying when Inter's fans cheered loudly as he was replaced by Andrea Poli on 61 minutes.

"You would have to ask the coach if it was correct to replace someone who has won so much," Zanetti said.

"If (Claudio) Ranieri replaced him, he must have had his reasons. We can all have difficult moments and I do not think that us (members) of the team are responsible."

"We have to understand the mood of the fans and we are not angry with their reaction. Unfortunately, we have lost many matches."

"At the end of the game, I thanked the fans because they were very important in encouraging us."

Inter have now gone seven Serie A matches without a win and sit seventh on the table, 11 points behind Lazio, who currently occupy the third Champions League qualification place.