Inter defender Milan Skriniar is expecting a ‘battle’ against Atalanta at San Siro tonight.
Antonio Conte’s side have the chance to go back to being six points clear of second-placed AC Milan with a win over the Bergamaschi.
Conte has made two changes to his starting line-up from last week’s win at Parma, with Arturo Vidal and Lautaro Martinez coming in.
“It is certainly one of the best matches, we are the best attack in the league and a tough match awaits us,” Skriniar explained in an interview with Inter’s official club broadcaster Inter TV, ahead of the match at San Siro.
“Atalanta are also in good form, we have to be alert and focused all the time.”
The 26-year-old centre-back then insisted that the whole team have to be careful and must stay compact during the game against the Bergamo club, who they drew 1-1 with earlier on in the season.
“We have to be careful not only at the back, but the whole team,” Skriniar added.
“We have to stay compact and hurt them.”
Skriniar was then asked whether the team who attacks best will win and if it will all begin with the defences of each team.
“Yes, definitely yes.
“They too want to build-up play starting with the goalkeeper exactly like us.
“We certainly expect a tough game and a 90 minute battle, we must be ready.”
In a follow-up interview with Sky Sport Italia, Skriniar continued: “We don’t look at the table, we know that we are up there and we want to stay there.
“We must play to win in every match.
“Atalanta’s attack? They are a good team in general and they are also in good form, certainly a tough match awaits us.
“At the back we must be careful.”
Skriniar was then asked if fans are now seeing the best version of him out on the field: “I have to say it, I feel good and I try to improve myself every day.
“I’m working and understanding things better, before I was not used to playing in a back three and it took some time.
“We are all growing, not just me.”
Victory tonight would ensure Inter take another big stride towards the club’s first Serie A title since 2010.
