Samir Handanovic has identified two key strengths Inter must show if they are to beat Sassuolo tonight.
Antonio Conte’s side will go in search of a tenth straight win in Serie A when they kick off against the Neroverdi at 18:45 CET.
Inter are eight points clear of second-placed AC Milan and can take another huge stride towards the Scudetto with victory at San Siro.
“There are dangers hidden in this game, like with all matches,” Handanovic told Inter TV prior to kick-off.
“Sassuolo are a team who are doing very well and play very good football, so we’ll need to stay concentrated and be solid in order to win this game.”
Inter are widely regarded as huge favourites to clinch the title and Handanovic was asked if the Nerazzurri’s players were starting to feel the pressure.
“I don’t know if I’d call it pressure, but we feel that every time we win we get closer to our objective,” the goalkeeper responded.
Handanovic was also asked what kind of performance he was expecting from Inter tonight, against a side they haven’t managed to beat at home since 2014.
“I expect the same Inter as always,” the Slovenian added.
“We’ll be solid and concentrated and we’ll understand immediately what type of game it will be.”
Handanovic was then asked in a subsequent interview with DAZN whether Inter’s 3-0 win at Sassuolo back in November marked the turning point in the Nerazzurri’s season.
“Our defensive solidity is the result of the team’s work,” the 36-year-old argued.
“Every team has to demonstrate this in every game.
“Your defensive work is the key to every success.”
Conte has made three changes from the side which started Saturday’s 1-0 win at Bologna, with Stefan de Vrij, Matteo Darmian and Roberto Gagliardini coming into the starting XI.
Alessandro Bastoni and Marcelo Brozovic are both suspended while Andrea Ranocchia drops to the bench.
