Antonio Conte believes everyone at Inter will benefit if Christian Eriksen can rediscover his best form.
Eriksen has struggled to perform to expectations during his time with the Nerazzurri but he was the unlikely match-winner on Tuesday night as his stoppage-time free-kick secured victory for Inter in their Coppa Italia quarter-final against AC Milan.
The Danish midfielder had failed to provide a goal or an assist in his 14 appearances this season before the Derby della Madonnina at San Siro, but Conte is hopeful this could mark a turning point for him.
“With Eriksen we are working to make up for a gap we have in the squad,” the former Italian national team coach told Inter’s official club broadcaster Inter TV following the match.
“We are missing a player in the role of regista where Marcelo Brozovic is one game away from suspension in both league and cup.
“We are working with Christian on that aspect, we love the boy very much.
“I hope that this goal will give morale and confidence in order to benefit everyone.”
Conte also reflected on the match itself and admitted that Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s sending off early into the second half helped his team out.
“I think it was a very good match, even when it was 11 against 11.
“Even in the first half we were leading the match, finding ourselves behind thanks to Ibrahimovic’s skill.
“The sending off certainly helped us and the matches against ten men must also be taken home.
“I want to congratulate the boys.”
Conte was also asked whether he got the team performance that he said he was looking to get prior to the match taking place and he also pointed out something he was unhappy with about his team’s performance.
“Absolutely.
“However, I was happy at the end of the first half, and told the boys to continue playing in the same way, with serenity and concentration, especially in front of their goalkeeper.
“If I have to find a fault, we need to be more ruthless in front of goal, have more malice.
“This is something that is repeating itself in too many games, as with Udinese where we were lacking quality.
“Today I think AC Milan’s goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu was their best player.”
Inter will face either Juventus or SPAL in a two-legged semi-final next month.
