After the press conference ahead of the match against Chievo, Inter coach Luciano Spalletti talked exclusively to Premium Sport and had the following to say:
First Chievo and then Juventus. This could be a most important week for this season for Inter?
“No, and by that I mean that this season does not come down to mid-season matches. This is not the game before Juventus, this is a game against Chievo where three most important points are at stake. Should we win this game we have done everything we can. Then we take on the next challenge.”
What would it mean for the fans and the atmosphere to take the lead in the standings?
“The fans have been with us from the start, they were already there working for us and have given us everything they have. We want to repay this by taking our responsability. They know we always give 110% but for the players to be in first place for a week gives them a tremendous amount of confidence. But in order to do that we have to win today against a Chievo that is more than capable. From 2000 they have only been relegated once, they know how to do this. We must be aware of how dangerous the counter attack play of Chievo is. This will be a difficult game.”
During the last two games, the team has changed to a three-man defense, is this something that could be permanent?
“It is a thing that could be permanent as long as our opponents have a hard time facing us and we keep on winning. In this particular moment, the most important thing is to help out the team”
Does the rumours from Real Madrid and Icardi bother you? Could this be a problem?
“For me it is a pleasuer having one of my players being courted by one of the biggest teams in the world. I think he thinks the same although there is no interest in signing with them. He wants to remain at Inter and the club knows how to handle this.”
Is Juventus still the favourite?
“Absolutely.”
