Inter coach Antonio Conte discussed the Nerazzurri’s tough 1-1 draw against Lazio with Italian broadcaster DAZN immediately after the game.
First, he commented on the two goals and the impact they had on the game.
“We scored a goal in our best moment, we were dominating the game and created two chances to score. Then Lazio were good with a typical action of theirs by bringing forward physical players like Milinkovic-Savic.
“The goal took some certainty away from us, then we started playing again and trying to score, with sensational actions like Brozovic hitting the post.
“There is satisfaction in coming to the Olimpico and playing with this personality and desire to play football, we must continue like this.”
The 51-year-old Italian coach expressed his satisfaction with the squad for achieving the draw, despite initially holding the 1-0 lead.
“It’s football, the guys are the first to be disappointed because maybe they were the first to taste the win. But let’s not forget that last season we lost here, this match makes us understand that we are on the right track.
“Today we created problems for Lazio like they created problems for us last season.”
The former Juventus and Chelsea coach touched on the performances of the wing backs Ivan Perisic and Achraf Hakimi.
“I’m very happy with Ivan, he is a player who is able to create some one-on-ones in the offensive phase. The assist for Lautaro is his. Then we have to work with him, Hakimi, who can improve in the defensive phase.
“But I’m happy, he’s surprising me in a positive way with his desire and self-determination. These games increase the experience for desire and determination. I am happy with him as I am with the whole team.”
Conte spoke about the performance of Italian midfielder Nicolo Barella, who played as a trequartista behind the attacking duo of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez.
“He played a very good game, even at Cagliari he played as a trequartista. In that position he gives depth to the attack and balance in the defensive phase because he helps the central defenders.
“I am accustoming my midfielders to play in all positions, because we have a tiring season ahead of us and therefore, we need to play in all positions. I am happy because I am getting great answers.”
The former Chelsea and Italy coach discussed the decisions to change the system throughout the game.
“In extreme situations you change, but when you change you take away strong certainties because it becomes improvisation.
“Last year against Bologna we lost as ten changing the system. If you do it, it’s because it’s out of necessity because you have to recover something and throw it on a personal touch.
“When you use the system, you know you continue to have important certainties.””
He commented on how useful Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez is to the Nerazzurri. The player signed a permanent deal with the club earlier this year.
“Very much. In attack we have Lukaku, Lautaro, him and Pinamonti. I think it’s the minimum to face a challenging season, with games every three days.
“Alexis is less a goal scorer but more an assist man and with quality, I alternate him to play with Romelu and Lautaro.”
Finally, Conte spoke about whether the Juventus-Napoli situation bothers him.
“There are the competent people for these situations, the footballer has to be the footballer and the coach has to be the coach. League and managers must decide.”
