Hector Cuper has accepted the blame for Inter dropping points against Roma – a result which may have a decisive bearing on the outcome of the title race in Italy.
Cuper’s decision to substitute Turkish star Emre with Domenico Morfeo, another striker, rather than bringing on defender Marco Materazzi was greeted with bemusement from the stands – with Inter leading 3-1 and on course for victory.
Late goals from Christian Pannuci and Vincenzo Montella earned Roma a draw and that leaves Inter five points behind league leaders JJuventus.
“Emre had played 90 minutes with his national team and I noticed that he was tired,” said Cuper after the game.
“I decided to bring on Domenic Morfeo.
“Obviously in retrospect it is easy to say that perhaps the most appropriate course of action would have been to bring on Marco Materazzi.
“We are five points behind Juventus but we will not give up – we have no choice about that.
“We must look to restore the team’s morale before we look to Valencia (in the Champions League).”
