The Inter coach: “I asked my players for a lot of concentration because Juventus can hurt us at any moment.”
Here we are. After two weeks of waiting due to the international break, it’s time for Juventus vs. Inter, currently the best that Italian football has to offer, judging by the standings.
At the Allianz Stadium, Simone Inzaghi’s Inter, leading by two points, seeks a victory that would mark the first significant breakaway of the season. However, they face a solid Juventus, ready to deploy their qualities to stop the league leaders. “This match is of great importance, we all know it, from the team to the fans and the club. It’s not decisive, though; we are only a third into the season,” commented the Inter coach on the eve of the match.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE
The two best defenses and teams that have scored the most goals with defenders are facing off: what similarities do you see with Juventus?
It will be a great match, exciting, in a packed stadium. The top two teams in the league are clashing, but we all know the significance of Juventus-Inter. We are on an excellent path, defending well and the formations are similar, and we will need to perform well in individual duels.
Would you have expected Juventus to be this close?
Absolutely yes. They have an excellent coach and very high ambitions. They have more time to prepare for matches, which is a great advantage. But we won’t hide, we aim high, and we want to win it all as well.
How important is it psychologically to earn points in Turin?
It’s very important, but it’s not a decisive match. It will certainly be significant throughout the season, but we are only a third into the campaign. Obviously, we know the value of Juventus-Inter for everyone.
What approach will you take in the game?
We will try to play our football, knowing that we are facing a very strong team, compact, and with great champions. Immense concentration will be required against a team like Juventus.
In cup competitions, you have an advantage over Allegri, but not in the league. How do you explain this?
They have always been special matches. Fortunately, in recent years, we have won a lot, especially in cups, while in the league, we have suffered two different defeats. In Turin, in that game we played a great game without converting chances, then losing concentration in the second half. As mentioned, we will need to stay focused throughout the match.
Would you settle for a draw?
You never settle for a draw unless it’s a second-leg match after winning the first leg. We will play our game, aware of the difficulties we may face, as always. In the next three league matches, we will have big away games.
Would you change with Allegri the fact of having more time to prepare for matches?
No, we, like Juventus, always want to play in Europe. They will have a big disappointment, but concerning the league, it is definitely an advantage to prepare for a challenge in seven days rather than two.
How have you found the Italian national team players? And Lautaro?
They are in fairly good shape. When they return from the national team, they are more tired mentally than physically.
How do players manage to overcome this fatigue between playing minutes and travel?
We have to try to help them recover as best as possible. Playing on Sunday, we gave an extra day off to those who returned, except for the South Americans who need to recover mentally and physically.
Marotta has renewed his contract: how do you perceive this news, and what signal does it send?
I don’t know if it’s official, but I would be very happy for the executives, but above all for Inter because it would be a great signal for the future.
Do you expect Locatelli on the field and Rabiot marking Barella?
Ask Allegri what will happen; I can influence my players.
Is Juventus bluffing about not aiming for the Scudetto?
I don’t make assumptions, and I don’t hide Inter’s ambitions. We just have to look at the next game, trying to play as many matches as possible.
Is your style of play the best in Italy?
It’s not for me to judge. Often judgments are influenced by the match and the result. I can say that defensively, we are working well, thanks to the entire team. In these 16 games, we have provided great solidity on the field.
What have you learned from last year’s defeats against Juventus?
Making predictions is not straightforward, but the match will have tough moments. I have only asked for a lot of concentration against a team that can hurt us at any moment.
