UDINE – "It’s a really bitter feeling. It
was one of our objectives this season and elimination is always horrible. In
the second half we played well, but we have to improve since the other teams
know us by now and try to counteract our strengths." Words from Walter
Samuel to Inter Channel after tonight’s match in Udine.

He continued: "We’re also a bit unlucky because
we let in goals with our opponent’s first shot or chance. We saw the other
night that Lazio didn’t exactly do a whole lot to win. We know it’s a difficult
moment and one in which we can’t give an inch. We’ll work hard to improve
together and come out of it. However, today the team’s work in the defensive
phase was good.

"I hope the referees aren’t influenced a
bit by the fact that there’s talk of how we never get penalties, and perhaps
they’re feeling a bit defensive and not giving them to us. There was a clear
one on Diego today. I was behind the play and saw it well. He got himself free and
then was held back. But we can’t just complain about that and worry about the
referees. In the second half we played to score and draw level, and we kept the
ball. It’s disappointing because we leave empty-handed. How do I feel? Having
played and got some minutes in my legs was good for me."