Inter coach Antonio Conte’s motivational skills have played a key role in Inter moving top of the table in Serie A, Italian media claim.

The Nerazzurri earned a 2-0 win over Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Friday evening to go above AC Milan at the summit of the table, prior to the Rossoneri facing Crotone today.

Nicolo Barella’s first half curling effort was followed up by an Ivan Perisic goal just after the interval, as the Nerazzurri sealed a first away win in 2021.

As reported in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Conte has motivated a squad that were disheartened and rallied the team in the face of off-field uncertainty.

Forward Alexis Sanchez came in for praise for his performance in Florence, with the Chilean showing his value despite an unflattering return of just six goals for Inter since joining in 2019.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Samir Handanovic produced a string of fine saves to atone for a forgettable evening in the Coppa Italia Semi-Final against Juventus last Tuesday, after the Slovenian was caught out of position to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to score.

Conte was also credited with motivating Perisic and Christian Eriksen to regain their form, after the latter shone against Benevento last weekend.