Stefan de Vrij believes Inter’s win over Atalanta tonight showed how much progress the Nerazzurri have made in terms of mentality.
Antonio Conte’s side secured a massive 1-0 win over Gian Piero Gasperini’s side at San Siro on Monday night, a result which enabled them to return to being six points clear at the top of the standings.
Milan Skriniar scored the only goal of the game shortly after half-time.
“There is great satisfaction for what happened tonight, we suffered against a great team but we are happy with the result,” De Vrij told Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, post-match.
The Dutchman was then asked whether winning such games is a sign that there has been a leap in quality.
“Yes, we have learned to suffer in certain matches like this or against Parma when we went 2-1 up, maybe last year we would have had more difficulties.
“Now we are more solid and united as a team.
“There is a good relationship between us defenders, we always try to help each other so we all grow.”
De Vrij was then asked if games such as this one excite him and if the team effort is a key to the solidity that the Nerazzurri have had lately.
“I think I have been playing in Italy for six years now and I have learned this aspect of football, I have improved.
“It gives us satisfaction not to concede goals in matches like this, even those in attack give us a hand.
“Is this one of the keys to our solidity? Yes, we are much more compact than before and we suffer less.
“The few goals conceded are thanks to everyone, starting with the forwards.”
In conclusion, De Vrij was asked whether the decision to play deep was because of Atalanta’s set-up or if the team had prepared to play like that regardless.
“After the goal we dropped ourselves back because we couldn’t keep the ball, it can happen.
“The important thing is to remain solid and we have been.”
