Danilo D’Ambrosio has admitted Inter’s players are under pressure to deliver with Antonio Conte in charge this season.

The defender is expected to start in Monday’s first Serie A fixture against Lecce, with Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij completing the back three.

D’Ambrosio said Conte’s appointment as head coach had brought enthusiasm to San Siro, but also added expectations.

“Most of all it’s raised the bar a bit for everyone here,” he told Sky Sport.

“Conte has invested great responsibility in us and we know we all have to give something extra.

“We’re working a lot on improving our fitness and from a mentality point of view Conte and his staff are proven winners.”

D’Ambrosio said Inter were enthusiastic about getting the new season started because they felt they had everything to do well.

“We’re not going to talk about targets but we’re not going to set limits for ourselves,” he added.

“We’re working every day to ensure we have a great season but we can’t bite off more than we can chew. We need to take one game at a time and always give 100%.”

The 30-year-old also shared his first impressions on some of Inter’s summer signings, with particular praise for fellow Italian Stefano Sensi.

D’Ambrosio admitted: “I thought he was a great player but I didn’t think he was this good. His technique in particular is excellent.

“Italian players already know what Serie A is like, a fairly difficult league, so they don’t need time to settle.

“Romelu Lukaku has a physical strength which is out of the ordinary. Alexis Sanchez can cause you trouble with his technique and pace and he’d be a good signing for any team.”

D’Ambrosio also said it was ‘normal and natural’ that he might extend his contract with the Nerazzurri, despite refusing to confirm reports he would soon sign a new three-year deal.