Inter coach Claudio Ranieri admitted that conceding a goal with the last action of the game was “a real blow to the head,” but he refused to blame his players.

“They played good football, they counter-attacked well and they made more chances than Marseille,” he said.

“They lost, but they didn’t deserve to lose.”

Inter must now prevail by two goals at the San Siro to progress to the last eight for the third season in a row, but Ranieri believes the context of the return leg will work in his players’ favour.

“The stadium will be full, which is an advantage, as it will enable the team to give their all and to push to turn things around,” he said.

“We only have to score two goals and I think we’re capable of doing it, no problem.”

Ranieri confirmed that striker Diego Milito had been left on the bench due to a cold and explained to Italian journalists that Joel Obi had been introduced instead of him for tactical reasons.

“I preferred not to risk him, particularly as Marseille were running down the left flank a lot,” he said.

“That’s why I sent on Joel Obi, to help us firm things up.”