Inter coach Antonio Conte spoke to gathered reporters in a press conference earlier this evening, after the Nerazzurri’s key 2-0 win over Genoa. His words were noted by Italian media outlet FcInterNews.
“I’m happy because I asked this to the guys, that is to dominate the match from the beginning. We could have score earlier even, Genoa are very organized and wanted to play a defensive match, taking advantage of the counterattacks.
“We were good, patient. We didn’t even concede a shot, just a corner. Proof that I was right not to be worried even before because the performance was good.”
The 51-year-old Italian coach highlighted how the squad will need to recover their energy ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.
“Now there is energy to recover, there is a bit of tiredness. It is an abnormal season but we must try to overcome it in the best way.”
Finally, Conte commented on how the Milanese side beat Shakhtar in the Europa League season and if the squad are close to that form.
“It is a different situation right now. In that case it had become a mini-tournament in which we all had very little time to recover, it was knockout, we were all excited.
“I remember saying that Shakhtar had great quality, I think the result did not really represent the value of either team.
“We were in a moment of great form, we faced them with great determination and desire, but they have very strong players.
“They didn’t go to win against Real Madrid 3-0, then they were recovered 3-2. Today Real won against Barcelona, to make you understand the anomaly.”
Conte will have to work hard to prepare his squad for next week’s European commitment against their Ukrainian opponents, especially after a disappointing Champions League opener against Borussia Monchengladbach earlier this week, which ended in a draw.
Inter’s win against the Rossoblu sees them rise to third in the league table after five games, two points behind rivals and league leaders AC Milan, who could extend their lead with a win over Roma on Monday.