Inter manager Antonio Conte has shared his belief that his team deserved to win tonight’s Champions League group stage match away to Ukrainian side Shaktar Donetsk.

Conte’s side dominated proceedings in the Ukrainian capital and had no shortage of chances but were somehow unable to find a breakthrough and have had to settle for a goalless draw.

“I think there are positive aspects about this game,” he remarked in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia following the match at the Kyiv Olympic Stadium.

“We played with the right attitude, like a great team. We weren’t very lucky, but it was a very good all-round game.

“We created big problems for them with our pressing, and we must remember that they are very technical. I am sorry because we deserved to win, but there is the awareness of being on the right path also in terms of mentality.”

The 51-year-old former Juventus and Italian national team boss was then asked about the improvement he has seen in his team.

“We’ve been together for a year, the guys have acquired knowledge and have gained self-confidence. We press in every part of the pitch, trying to take the ball from our opponents.

“In other circumstances one would sit back and wait for the counter to score. Today the opposite thing happened and that’s a change. The same happened against Borussia, a game with high intensity.

“From this point of view I can’t be unsatisfied, we didn’t concede anything, it’s the second game in a row we have not allowed a goal. At the same time, we are sorry because we had some chances and you have to win these games.”

He proceeded to state that he cannot blame his players for the result and highlighted how many games Inter have played in a short space of time.

“I really can’t blame my players. Don’t forget this was the fourth game in ten days for us. I am not looking for excuses but we begun this cycle of matches with six people who had caught Covid, plus the injured ones, which means we had to do without eight players. This game is a proof of the good work we are doing, also with the coaching staff.”

Conte then went on to speak about how this game versus Shakhtar Donetsk differed to the Europa League semi final win last season which Inter comfortably won 5-0.

“I saw the match they won against Real Madrid last week and they had done the same they did today. They sat back in a 6-3-1 system but they managed to score three goals and win.

“We created many chances tonight. In the Europa League we made the most of the chances we created, that’s the difference.

“Shakhtar have strong players on counter attacks and I am happy because we created many chances without conceding anything. That’s the right way, we continue to work hard and we hope results will come too.”