Inter defender Stefan De Vrij discussed the Nerazzurri’s vital 4-2 derby win over rivals AC Milan in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia shortly after the game last night.
“Obviously, there is a lot of satisfaction for the victory and the character shown in the second half. In the first half things went badly, they went ahead deservedly, but in the second half we started differently, it was clear that the mentality had changed.
“We got into trouble in the first 45 minutes, but we showed our strength of character as well as our game. These games also demand character, mentality and desire, and we showed that in the second half.”
The Dutch defender then spoke about the Nerazzurri’s next league clash, against third place Lazio, who are only one point behind Inter.
“The match Lazio? We’re all doing well, we all want to play like it.”
The 28-year-old defender also discussed AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“We all know he is very strong, he has always shown a lot in his career. We knew it wouldn’t be easy to face him, so much respect for him but we wanted to play our game. That we changed in the second half and we’re satisfied.”
De Vrij touched on his goal last night, that gave Inter the lead.
“I noticed it after I scored, I headed it and when I turned around I saw it go in. Unique emotions, I had already scored in the derby last year. These are memories that will stay with me forever.”
Finally, De Vrij spoke about Italian wing back Antonio Candreva.
“He’s been good, physically he’s very strong, he’s good on the wings. The problem was not being compact, they put us in trouble with the players between the lines.”
The Dutch defender, who is contracted to Inter until 2023, made his 27th appearance for the Nerazzurri in last night’s win over the Rossoneri.
In his 2364 minutes on the pitch under coach Antonio Conte, De Vrij has scored two goals and provided four assists, being one of the most impressive defenders in the league. His goal helped Inter return to the top of the league table, tied on points with rivals Juventus, who lost to Hellas Verona on Saturday.
