Inter coach Antonio Conte stopped by Inter TV after the Nerazzurri’s 3-1 win in the Serie A away at Sampdoria to share his thoughts on tonight’s performance.
“Congratulations are in order to the team because they were really very good. Tonight we played several matches in one. I’ve also seen Candreva’s disallowed goal and honestly it seems like a good goal.”
“In the second half we started in the same way, but then something unbelievable happened, we suffered a red card and a goal. I tried to change thing around immediately and make substitutions to adapt to the situation. We spent a lot of energy tonight, but it paid off as in the end there’s something to be happy about.”
The 50-year-old Italian then spoke about the struggle of playing with 10 men after Alexis Sanchez’s red card early in the second half.
“When you’re a man down, you’re inclined to play more defensively, to try to not concede to much space. It’s not easy, they knew how to play with a man more on the pitch. Lukaku coming on allowed us to keep Sampdoria on edge because Romelu is good at both holding the ball and attacking the space using his speed.”
“Then D’Ambrosio and Barella were also OK, and Candreva had an amazing first half. After the third goal we made our opponents realize that it would be difficult for them.”
“The more you work, the more the players digest my instructions. These six wins are the result of work and everyone making themselves available, which is vital. I’m happy when the lads recognize situations on the pitch and our daily training sessions are expressed on the pitch.”
Finally, Conte spoke of 20-year-old defender Alessandro Bastoni who made his debut for the Nerazzurri tonight.
“Half of the Serie A wanted him and I was against letting him go. I want to work with him, I’ve seen his potential not only physically, but also mentally. He does what you ask him to do right away. Alessandro will certainly be useful in the future, but he’s also useful right now.”
“He’s an important option to have and again I repeat, I’m taking risks, last match with Biraghi, and today with Bastoni. But I have faith in them, I have no problem putting them out on the pitch. Their team-mates also have faith in them. We continue like we have so far, with humility and a great desire.”
