Inter manager Antonio Conte has stated his belief that both his Inter side and tomorrow’s opponents Napoli must be sides that fight until the end in Serie A.
“Napoli have been Juventus’ antagonist in the league for years, except for last season. Two teams will face each other that must try to fight until the end with the ambition of being protagonists,” he began his pre-match press conference, which took place a short time ago.
He then spoke a little on the game and said: “It is a demanding challenge, we will be facing a team that has the same ambition as us and it must give us a stimulus and a parameter on which to make evaluations.”
The former Italian national team boss was then asked whether or not he is worried by the fact that his side have been made Serie A title favourites off the back of their last two wins in the league.
“We have to find a balance that is difficult to find if we follow the considerations of others. We have to work if we want to be protagonists, finding a balance between us, without getting excited about winning or getting depressed by a setback.”
Next the ex-Chelsea coach was quizzed on whether this is the year to win the Serie A title seeing as how competitive the league is with the top six all bunched closely together.
“I always think that a team has to find its balance in both the attacking and defending phases. This is important because if you have balance you have the possibility of being a protagonist in the long run.
“I think Inter are a team that also scored many goals last year. This year we are conceding a few more goals, especially in the first half. I think the right balance is always important.”
Conte then went on to provide an update with regard to injured trio Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal and Achraf Hakimi.
“Alexis came off with an adductor problem, he will hardly be recoverable. Vidal is working well and is in a recovery phase but I think tomorrow it would be a risk to try to make him play.
“We would risk losing him for another month. He also needs to find the right condition, patience will be needed. We will do some evaluations on Hakimi today.”
The 51-year-old tactician, who has been in charge of Inter for 18 months, proceeded to discuss the importance of head-to-head matches between title contenders this season.
“We can all agree that we see much more balance, at least right now. Certainly the head-to-head matches are very important for the standings and for the mental aspect.
“At the same time we see that even with teams that are not fighting to win, you have to sweat to make it into the Champions League. That’s why I see a lot of balance and points are important for everyone. Psychologically, winning head-to-head matches makes you feel stronger.”
Conte was then asked if having an almost obligation placed on him and the team to win the Scudetto is a problem or rather an extra stimulus for him and his side.
“I have to smile about the obligation. I think there are many teams and that we all start with the ambition to be protagonists.
“At least on my part, we always start with the intention of doing it and trying to win. I know that in the last nine years it has always been the same. The fact that there is an almost obligation for us makes me smile but it always leads us to work and improve.”
In conclusion he was asked about his changing attitude and how he has been perceived this season.
“I’m getting used to thinking that whatever I do or say is viewed in a negative way. Before I was calm in the press conference, I was blamed for not being me anymore and for giving up. Now you tell me the opposite. I have to find a middle ground.”