Inter manager Antonio Conte has revealed that he was expecting such a performance from Shakhtar Donetsk in tonight’s Champions League group stage encounter away to them.

The Ukrainian side came into this match off the back of a surprise 3-2 win over group favourites Real Madrid last time out in the competition whilst Inter drew 2-2 with Borussia Monchengladbach and the two sides played out a goalless draw tonight in the Ukrainian capital.

“I saw Shakhtar’s match against Real Madrid, they played with the same team and played the same way as they did against us, they were very careful at the back,” he explained in an interview with Inter’s official club broadcaster Inter TV following the full time whistle at the Kyiv Olympic Stadium.

The 51-year-old went on to add: “Against the Spaniards, with this way of playing, they scored three goals and could have also scored others.

“We expected this match, the result remains a shame by virtue of what we created. We were good at not conceding counterattacks, Samir was calm today. Despite their quality on the break, today is the second game in a row we have went without conceding a goal.”

Conte then went on to sing the praises of his team despite the fact they were unable to get their first victory in this year’s Champions League group stage campaign.

“In general, I can only congratulate the guys. We started this round of games with six COVID-19 positive players and two injured players, Sanchez and Sensi.

“The same players are playing many games, ensuring such intensity in many close matches is not easy, so hats off to the boys.”

He concluded by looking ahead to this weekend’s Serie A match at home to Parma, who are heading into this weekend’s clash with Conte’s side just above the relegation zone.

“Now we have to concentrate on Saturday’s match against Parma. We will be ready by picking up our energies as of tomorrow. Radu and Gagliardini will return from isolation, they are added values.

“For now, our focus is on the league then the double header with Real Madrid. We have to think one game at a time.”