Inter coach Antonio Conte showed his full support to midfielder Christian Eriksen during today’s 3-0 Derby della Madonnina win over AC Milan.

The Denmark international was handed a starting spot for the top of the table clash and played a key role as Inter went four points clear at the summit of Serie A with a comprehensive win.

As shown on the club’s television channel, InterTV, Nerazzurri coach Conte was keen to show his appreciation of Eriksen after the 28-year-old was substituted late in the second half.

With Eriksen reaching for a high-five with Conte, the tactician instead grabbed the midfielder for a hug and pointedly gestured that the former Tottenham Hotspur man was very much part of his plans, after enduring a difficult first year at the club.

“Conte made a very nice gesture at the point of replacing Christian Eriksen. The Dane approached to give him a high-five and Conte indicated to him as he was his man, and that he knew he wouldn’t disappoint, then hugged him,” InterTV reported of the incident during post match analysis.

The channel also assessed the growing influence of striker Romelu Lukaku after he netted against Milan, citing him as a leader on the pitch.

“Lukaku asked the entire team to push forward. The striker is acting more and more like a coach on the field.”