Luciano Spalletti has warned his Inter players against becoming complacent as they prepare to face Atalanta in Serie A tomorrow.
The Nerazzurri will be looking to secure eight consecutive league wins for the first time in almost a decade when they step out at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, but Spalletti believes his side will need to be at their best if they wish to continue their excellent run of form.
“The team is in good spirits,” he told Inter TV on Saturday.
“When you’re winning matches consistently it does wonders for your confidence – however we need to make sure our confidence doesn’t become arrogance.
“Winning a match doesn’t give you a divine right to win the next one, so we need to manage that process well.”
Atalanta currently sit 10th in the table after a poor start to the season, but the Bergamaschi are currently on a three-game winning streak of their own and have lost just one of their last nine home matches against Inter.
“Tomorrow’s match is an extension of our Champions League match in midweek,” Spalletti said.
“The table would suggest Atalanta are not one of the best teams in this league but if you look at all their other numbers they tell a different story.
“Gian Piero Gasperini is one of those coaches football needs: just look at how they got on in the Europa League last season and what they would have deserved to achieve.
“Games in Bergamo are always the same – Atalanta always get in your face and use individual duels to their advantage.
“You only need to know how good a team they are to find the right motivation again after the Barcelona match.”
Spalletti also singled out Champions League outcasts Joao Mario, Roberto Gagliardini and Dalbert for praise over their positive attitude in training this season.
“They deserve a huge amount of credit,” he added.
“It’s not easy to cope with being excluded from the Champions League, you need a solid mind to keep motivating yourself – and that’s easier when you’re with your teammates than when you’ve been left at home to work on your own.”
