Antonio Candreva warned Inter’s Serie A rivals today that the Nerazzurri meant business this season.

Antonio Conte’s side will begin their new league campaign at home to Lecce on Monday evening, before traveling to play Cagliari in week two.

Candreva said Inter’s players couldn’t wait to get started and assured they were working flat out to prepare for their match against the newly-promoted side.

“We’re Inter and we’re strong, we’re here to prepare at our best,” the former Lazio winger told Sport Mediaset.

“I already worked with Conte for two years when he was coaching Italy. But I’ve found him to be even more motivated now, he has great enthusiasm and the usual desire to improve and work.

“His arrival has been very positive for us. I have a very good working relationship with him and I know he can help the team and all of the players to improve.”

Inter have already sold more than 60,000 tickets for Monday’s curtain raiser, but Candreva insisted he was not surprised by those figures.

“The enthusiasm and affection from the Nerazzurri fans has always been great,” he added.

“They’ve always supported us and in the most difficult times too.”