Inter coach Antonio Conte believes that his side’s Serie A clash against Atalanta tomorrow evening will be decided by whichever team attacked more effectively.
League leaders Inter are the top scorers in Serie A this season with 62 goals as they challenge for a first Scudetto since 2010, although La Dea trail by only two goals as they battle for a position in the top four.
“Each team must find the right balance but if you can work the right balance in both phases then you can find success,” Conte claimed in his pre-match press conference, as reported by FCInterNews.it.
“Tomorrow the match will be decided by whoever attacks better.
“I don’t know if this is the hardest challenge but it is certainly difficult because we are facing a team that cause huge problems.
“This is now an accepted fact, they have awareness, confidence and strong players on the pitch and on the bench. Above all, [Luis] Muriel, who started on the bench and has solved many difficult matches.
“[Coach Gian Piero] Gasperini is doing an extraordinary job and has found the right environment. I am happy for him and for Atalanta, who I even coached for a while.”
Inter are enjoying a period of strong form as they go into the match unbeaten in nine and with six consecutive victories, and Conte was impressed with the effort of his players.
“We must be proud of having always given our best, sometimes we succeed in a decisive way and sometimes not, but that is the what we push for, for our fans and ourselves.
“I speak for what concerns us and Atalanta. For some time now they have been able to beat all the big teams in Italy, giving them strength, confidence and an awareness of their capabilities.
“They dominated in previous years and if you are not stupid you understand they are on the right path.”
Having moved six points clear of AC Milan at the top of the table, Inter are now considered favourites to win the title, and have been in dominant form since a 1-1 draw against Atalanta in November.
“My teams always play to win. Whether we start as favourites or not, I have shown in the past with Juventus and Chelsea that even if I am un underdog I never shy away from my ambitions to win.
“Last year we achieved some important numbers and adding those up to this year, we have earned more points than anyone if I’m not mistaken.
“I don’t think we are doing anything differently, perhaps those ahead of us have slowed down a bit. Last year we took an important step forward.
“I always think that winning as a team also enhances the individual players. We try to improve by putting them in the best conditions.
“For us, the team is important but within this there are individuals who still need to grow if there ambition is to win.
“Development must be sustained and nurtured everyday with hard work and willingness. As for Atalanta, we have studied them and this is my fourth match against them since joining Inter.
“They know us and I know them. It will be a very difficult challenge because they put all the big teams in danger. We must play well and react to opportunities in possession.”
Conte currently has one year remaining on the three-year deal he signed upon replacing Luciano Spalletti in May 2019 and insisted he was only focused on the current campaign before considering his longer term future.
“It’s true that I have another year remaining on my contract. At this moment though, everyone involved at Inter is focused on the present. We must not be distracted by anything from now until the end of the season.
“I don’t know what will happen outside of this, it’s a situation that has fallen upon us but for me the future is from now until the end of the season.
“We must concentrate and focus on the present. I understand people want to talk about other things but for us it is very important to give a signal of continuity and show that we have brought Inter back to where it belongs.
“We will see what happens but must not think about it now. We must be disciplined and focus only on how we can influence the remainder of the season,” Conte continued.
The former Juventus coach touched on his tactical discussions through social media and was satisfied with the outcome.
“Many thoughts are linked to mine, many people have replied to agree that the goal must always be the target, whether it’s direct or prolonged passing.
“Surely if you have the possibility you must take it. I found the answer very important and it made me reflect.
“I take this opportunity to thank those who engaged and I will continue to be involved when I have the chance. I think it’s good to interact with the fans, it offers a new perspective.”
Conte concluded with a touching tribute to former Inter and Roma translator Claudio Segnani, who tragically passed away over the weekend.
“It was very sad news, we are talking about a person who left us too young. There is a lot of sadness. He worked here at Inter and for several coaches as a translator.
“I offer my condolences to his family on behalf of everyone at Inter,” Conte concluded.
