Inter coach Antonio Conte discussed the Nerazzurri’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Roma earlier tonight in an interview with Italian broadcaster InterTV after the game.
“It was a game with a very high level of difficulty, which came after challenges with opponents that have rested more than we have, like tonight at Roma. And the tiredness is starting to make itself felt.
“I can only say thank you to these guys, who are starting to play games with a different pressure than in the past, you need to get used to it.
“Anyway, we’re in the Champions League four games before the end of the season and up 14 points on Roma. Surprised by the way Inter are being attacked, while no one says anything about the others who are behind us.”
He discussed how he tactically prepared the game against the Roman club.
“Yes, we wanted numerical superiority in midfield. We had to be better at moving vertically and the attack of the strikers had to be better, with the right timing. Details shift the result sometimes.”
The 50-year-old Italian coach highlighted how the club have had a good season, despite failing to win the league title or Coppa Italia, because of their growth and future work.
“The fans must be proud of this team, which is doing important things. Only four defeats like Juve, the best defense, the second-best attack, an important distance from teams like Roma, Napoli and Milan which is not a normal thing.
“They were all equipped to qualify for the Champions League. Having said that, we’re trying to do something important. But Rome wasn’t built in a day. You have to be patient and understand that it will take time to lay a solid foundation. I hope everyone understands that.”
Finally, Conte looked ahead to the remaining four league games of the season and the remaining games of the Europa League. Inter will face Spanish side Getafe on the 5th August in a single leg fixture in a neutral stadium in Germany.
“The ambition is to always play to win, both in the league and in friendly matches. Then there are the opponents like there were tonight. In the end the match was balanced, with a few moments that were all a bit unusual.
“We have to get used to this kind of pressure and also manage the various phases of the match. The episode at the end of the first half certainly made us a bit nervous. We also have to learn to manage decisions a bit better. But I repeat, I can only say thank you to these guys. Sorry to have come to play this game after a tour-de-force while some others had an easier schedule.”
Considering that Juventus are now five points ahead of the Nerazzurri, it seems unlikely that Inter will be able to beat the Bianconeri for the league title this season, although a Lazio win tomorrow evening would still give the Milanese club a flicker of hope.
