Inter coach Antonio Conte spoke to gathered reporters in a press conference earlier today, ahead of tomorrow’s league clash against Crotone. His words were collected by Italian media outlet FcInterNews.

First, he spoke about what type of match to expect tomorrow.

“We have to expect a challenging game as I think all of them are in the Italian league. We’re facing a team that is galvanized by having ended last year with a win over Parma.

“We will have to be very careful. Starting again after the holidays is always a big unknown, but we know how important it is to continue our positive streak.”

He commented on his expectations for 2021 and what messages he wants to send to others.

“We have to confirm ourselves among the teams that have to try to win. We don’t have to send out any message, only to be credible.”

The 51-year-old Italian coach touched on if this squad has what it takes to win and how his meeting with president Steven Zhang went.

“We have the duty to believe, being at Inter, that we must fight until the end for the maximum. It’s right that meetings with the club remain private and that there is respect for everyone.”

The former Chelsea and Italy coach spoke about what it means to be nine points ahead of Juventus currently in the league table.

“What has emerged is that the league is balanced, you have to work hard to win every game. There are no easy games.

“In the end, important values will emerge, such as work and organisation. Things that lead to excelling and winning.”

He did not want to talk about the situation surrounding Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan, who recently joined Cagliari.

“It’s pointless going back over past arguments and players who are not part of Inter. I wish Radja the best of luck for the second half of the season and I embrace him with affection.”

Conte spoke about where the team can look to improve and the change of formation against Hellas Verona.

“This team, after a year and a half of work, can afford to make changes during the game. We have also used them in other situations, with Sanchez behind the forwards.

“The important thing is that the basic concepts don’t change because there are times during the match when you have to mix things up. We know that we’ve done something by building on certain foundations that all the players know today.”

The 51-year-old Italian commented on how Giovanni Trapattoni said in 1989 that it was the time to win, and if he’s transmitted those feelings to the squad today.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to say goodbye to coach Trapattoni, who was like a second father to me. I wish him and his family a happy new year.

“Trapattoni did important things for Inter, I don’t dare compare myself to him because we’re talking about an icon who made football history. At the same time, I hope to do something important.”

He spoke about the position played by Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal in the win over Hellas Verona.

“He played in his usual position. Arturo’s position is as an inside midfield player, he’s good in the non-possession phase, he’s good at attacking.”

Finally, Conte spoke about what he asks of players to help them make the extra step.

“I always ask a lot from my players. Every player, as long as he plays, has the ability to always improve. This is my request, to improve not only tactically but also in management in everything.

“On and off the pitch. My request is excellence, if you want to do something extraordinary, you have to do something extraordinary.”