Inter do not deserve criticism for the way they played against Atalanta last night, according to one report in the Italian media today.
The Nerazzurri won a league game with just one shot on target for the first time since 2009, using Milan Skriniar’s second-half strike to sink Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
Antonio Cassano was far from impressed with Inter’s ultra-defensive display, arguing Atalanta deserved to win at San Siro.
But Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition took a different stance, writing: “Defending is an art as well.
“Inter didn’t receive any yellow cards and they protected themselves by occupying spaces perfectly.
“Beating a team that shows itself to be stronger is a merit, in order to accept the superiority of an opponent and still win you must show humility and intelligence.
“Antonio Conte has won a few league titles in his career and knows that you win them like this as well.”
Inter re-established their six-point cushion over AC Milan at the top of the Serie A table last night, putting them in a very strong position to secure a first league title since 2010.
The Nerazzurri had big pressure to respond to their rivals against Atalanta after AC Milan and Juventus had beaten Hellas Verona and Lazio respectively, but they delivered when it mattered most.
Conte’s side will continue their quest for the Scudetto on Sunday when they travel to play relegation-threatened Torino in Turin.
