Sassuolo coach Roberto De Zerbi spoke to gathered reporters at a press conference today on the eve of the Neroverdi’s game against Inter.
“They were special weeks. We know what happened to our president and we are very sorry. We’ve gotten off to a good start, we’ve trained well. There was a break, we return to the pitch after many days. We lost some players due to physical problems and we’re ready to play. The last two defeats burn, we want to make up for it, we want to be the team we saw against Sampdoria and SPAL again.”
The 40-year-old Italian coach then discussed the difficulty of facing the Nerazzurri.
“They’re a strong team and they have proved it against Barcelona and Juventus. This championship is different, it’s balanced. The level of difficulty of the matches is high, there are no easy matches, and this is demonstrated by the teams that have climbed from Serie B, who have courage, play. Meeting Inter is clearly different but we would not have been less careful in preparing for another team.”
De Zerbi touched on the injuries currently plaguing the squad.
“Pegolo, who was hurt after Atalanta, and Ferrari, who was already in doubt after Brescia. But also, Chiriches, Mazzitelli, Bourabia. The team, however, is strong beyond the shortcomings, we have a wide range. The other teams also have injuries. I’m sorry because I prefer to make choices of the full squad. Sometimes I have to make them out of necessity. Chiriches will stay out for a long time, Ferrari has also been hurt and we add to Rogerio who has already been out for a long time.”
He then spoke of Sassuolo’s impressive form against Inter in the recent past.
“We know that we have often done well against them, but the respect of the opponent remains intact. I don’t think we have pressure because one should always have pressure. The pressures must be there even after the victories. We know who we are well, in the sense that we have changed so much this year. We know that a lot of players have arrived at the training camp and the path to find a final place is not easy and immediate but we know that the team is strong and can play an important role in the league, I do not know which, but on the strength of the team I have no doubts and a poor start does not change my mind.”
De Zerbi also discussed what kind of game Sassuolo would play against Inter tomorrow.
“We don’t determine the attitude of Inter, just as we determine our own. I expect Inter to be convinced that they’re playing well and playing the game, but we have to think about what we have to do. We’re inferior to Inter but not always those who are inferior have the worst.”
Finally, the Sassuolo coach discussed any worries about tomorrow’s game.
“I’m worried rightly. I don’t think we were too young in these games. There were young players, probably a lot of new ones together. This is Sassuolo 2.0, it can’t be the continuation of last year. It’s different but always keeping the same idea. We need to improve from the outset in terms of our approach. I’ll put it a little on the mental side.”
