Inter coach Antonio Conte discussed the Nerazzurri’s 1-1 draw against Napoli and their elimination from the Coppa Italia in an interview with Italian broadcaster InterTV, immediately after the game.
“I’m satisfied with the type of match we played, this is the kind of football we want to play. Aggressive in the non-possession phase, dominating the game in the possession phase. We did it today, I carry with me the bitterness of not being in the final, in the two games we deserved it.”
He moved onto discussing how the team will move forward and grow from the game, with the lessons set to be applied for the restart of the league next weekend.
“I’m sorry, but we have to take the positive things and understand that we have to continue to grow, being clinical and wanting to score goals. Today we created a lot of opportunities, their goalkeeper made sensational saves. We have to grow and take this step, if we have the ambition to fight to win, it’s necessary.”
The former Juventus and Chelsea coach commented on the performance of his midfield today, with a particular focus being paid to Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen.
“We had the opportunity to work and try to create a tailor-made suit for all the players. Eriksen was able to work with us tactically and physically. Sensi can also play in that position, with two midfielders in support. I liked the offensive phase of the midfielders as well. We played a complete football, sorry for the result and for not qualifying for the final, which the guys would have deserved. Let’s take that anger and turn it into something positive.”
Conte spoke about how the squad has a variety of players that can look to shoot on goal, giving them an advantage in the final third.
“We’re much more unpredictable, we attack with a lot of players, but we have to be good at not losing our balance. If I have to make a note of something today, the goal we conceded is the result of softness that we can’t afford. At the same time, we will work on it. We need to know that the path we’ve taken is the right one and that we want to play this kind of football that transmits passion.”
Finally, Conte discussed how he was happy with the performances of the five players that were brought on as substitutes in the game. The teams have been allowed to make two more substitutions than usual due to the unique circumstances of the end of this season.
“Absolutely, I was calm because the guys worked well. Now it’s possible to deploy players who were absent due to injury for various reasons, such as Sanchez, Sensi, Barella, Gagliardini, Handanovic, D’Ambrosio. Now they’re all available and I’m pleased because I’ll be able to rotate. But that doesn’t change anything because everyone knows what they have to do on the pitch.”
