Inter coach Antonio Conte discussed the Nerazzurri’s key 3-1 win over Cagliari earlier today in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia after the game.
“Going behind wasn’t right, our approach was excellent, we created a lot in the first half and only Cragno stopped a goal, he was the best in the first half.
“When you create so much and concede a goal on the first shot you concede, you can get a little nervous and afraid of losing.
“Instead, the guys were good at believing until the end, they showed desire to win, we were never content just drawing the game, we always tried to score and get the win.
“Plan B is to have the ability to make a difference from the bench, sometimes you can do it if those on the bench are in good condition, other times you can’t.
“From the outside, it looks like you have a lot of options, but that’s only in appearance. Since we are in total synergy with the management, we’ll try to optimize everything.”
The 51-year-old Italian coach commented on his decision to change from his traditional three-man defense to a four-man defense during the game against the Rossoblu.
“It was a winning choice and at times a lucky one because when we were down 1-0 we conceded some counter attacks that could’ve cost us dearly. It was necessary to have the chance to play with Sanchez, Lautaro and Lukaku together.
“Sometimes we play a 3-4-1-2 system but Sensi had already entered and I preferred to take off a defender and lower a wing-back into the back four.
“Even if Hakimi is an offensive and not defensive wing back, it’s difficult to think of him in a four-man defense. He is an exceptional performer in a three-man defense because he can attack well but can he can also help by going deep to cover.”
Finally, Conte discussed how Inter are one of the teams that most often recover when they are behind in a game.
“If an early goal like the one today comes, you can’t do anything. They scored from their first shot on target, you’re not specifically at fault.
“But having the strength to come back means that you have players who didn’t give up and have the desire to fight until the end to overturn a negative situation.”
The Nerazzurri are currently second in the league table after 11 games, sitting on 24 points, two behind rivals and league leaders AC Milan.
Their next game is against Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli next Wednesday, a key clash considering the position of both teams in the league table.
The Milanese club’s 3-1 win against the Rossoblu earlier today was important as the squad needed to show a strong response after their incredibly disappointing early elimination from the Champions League earlier this week.
