Inter manager Antonio Conte has shared his belief that Inter deserved to come away from the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi with all three points opposed to the one they had to settle for.
Inter fell behind minutes after kick-off but managed to turn things in their favour thanks to a goal from Antonio Candreva and own goal from Federico Dimarco. In the final few minutes though Inter conceded and threw away two points.
“In terms of effort, hunger, determination, I have no complaints. Let’s not forget, we played against a Verona side who play at a high tempo and makes that their greatest weapon. I think tonight Inter replied blow for blow,” Conte began an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia following the full time whistle.
“There is the usual regret, that we conceded a goal five minutes from time on a throw-in. These are situations that are disappointing, because you drop points along the way and they add up. We deserved to win the game.”
He was then notified that Inter have now dropped 20 points from winning positions this term and asked whether he expected such a situation.
“I think that were doing an important job and that can be seen. I think you can see the results of the work we’re doing. The fact we lost 20 points should push us to reflect and continue improving.
“We’re well aware that we have dropped points in a stupid fashion throughout the season, otherwise we’d be talking about a very different season.”
He then went on to reveal the reason why Romelu Lukaku was substituted with little over 10 minutes to play.
“He had a problem in his back and also the adductor, we hope it’s nothing serious and just a knock.”
Next the former Italian national team boss was asked why his team are so inconsistent, even during the course of a single match.
“We have to be better at handling certain situations. I also think that experience can lead to an improvement in management, many times we get into trouble in a way that is too simple.
“Having said that, in the second half Verona only shot when the goal was scored. We are working a lot, I don’t want to make considerations because when I say something they [the media] say that I criticise the team regardless. I always speak constructively to improve certain situations. The boys know that very well, we will try to do better.”
Next he was asked what it will take to improve Inter.
“I don’t answer, because if I do tomorrow you will massacre me. I’ll make my considerations at the end of the season, so will the club and the players. If I have something to say, I’ll say it to the club.
“We all want to win, but it’s about understanding how close or far away we are from winning. Some see it one way, some in another.”
Conte proceeded to discuss Christian Eriksen, who came on for the final few minutes in the match, and whether him being a starter lead to the team becoming disorientated.
“If you look at the numbers, Inter have more possession and have scored more goals than any other side since the lockdown ended. So it’s about how you look at it.
“We improved our domination of the match and of territory, but the result is what ultimately counts and we threw away three points with Bologna, two against Verona. The lads are giving their all, we have strengths, but also some weaknesses.
“As for Eriksen, he has played regularly since the restart, he is growing and I am trying to put him in a context that suits him. Borja Valero did very well again tonight, so we have to rotate the squad and keep everyone in good shape.”
He was then asked about on loan Alexis Sanchez and whether he will be with the club next season.
“I don’t want to talk about next year, now there is a season to finish and then we will make evaluations.”
