Inter coach Antonio Conte discussed the Nerazzurri’s thrilling 4-3 win over Fiorentina earlier this evening in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia after the game.
“We knew that nothing was easy tonight. I think Fiorentina are a very good team, difficult to face. We had an important offensive phase, bringing a lot of men forward, scoring four goals and creating a lot of chances.”
The 51-year-old Italian coach highlighted some negative aspects from the Milanese club’s comeback against the Viola.
“But I see the negative aspects, we didn’t prepare well for their counter attacks, we were too optimistic when we had the ball, instead whoever didn’t have the ball should have thought about counter attacks.”
The former Chelsea and Juventus coach still thought positively of the squad despite the issues in the win.
“We have to improve from this point of view, but great merits to the guys who have put their hearts out against an excellent team, with important qualities and individuals. We’ll take these three points and we are happy.”
Conte commented on how the squad now has increased midfield depth, with new signings like Arturo Vidal and returnees like Radja Nainggolan giving the coach more options.
“In midfield we have grown, because last year, regardless of the numbers, we were cut by the absence of Sensi. Gagliardini was out for two months, Barella had surgery.
“It was not easy, that’s why last year we did something important and extraordinary.”
The 51-year-old Italian highlighted a few areas that the midfield could look to improve in.
“Today we have more players, there is quality but then we have to put in quantity. We are a very offensive team, in the middle we also have to run and create quantity.
“You have to be good in this aspect, maybe adapting some wingers to be more central.”
Conte touched on the decision to start Christian Eriksen as a trequartista and other squad choices.
“This topic makes me smile, we played with a trequartista to put him in the best conditions, it has always been his role.
“Compared to last year, only Young was left among the wing backs. Then Perisic came back, he showed great desire, he had a great game.”
The former Juventus boss spoke about defensive squad choices.
“Bastoni in the middle is a proven alternative because of De Vrij’s suspension. Kolarov had his first match and I am happy with what he did.”
He discussed the decision not to play Slovakian defender Milan Skriniar and whether he is still involved in the project at the club.
“Skriniar is part of the team, today D’Ambrosio played but we have a lot of games and so he is available, he is in the project.
“Then if offers arrive maybe the club will consider them, also because the ownership told us about what the situation is, so we are open to any solution.”
Finally, Conte spoke about how Skriniar is still involved in the project and how a four-man defense could be an emergency solution in games.
“But Milan is part of the project and will play as he has always done. The four-man defense is an emergency solution, also because Hakimi is a wing back who has to work on the defensive phase. At Dortmund he started in a back four then he played in a three-man system.”
