Inter coach Antonio Conte lauded goalscorer Matteo Darmian after he helped the Nerazzurri to a 1-0 win over Cagliari in Serie A today.

The former Manchester United defender settled a difficult match against the relegation-threatened Sardinians at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, netting late on to seal an 11th consecutive league win for Inter.

In his post-match interview after the final whistle, as reported by FCInterNews.it, Conte claimed that Darmian was an important member of the team, despite often playing as back-up to Achraf Hakimi, and felt he had a chance of being included in Roberto Mancini’s squad for Euro 2020 this summer.

“He deserves to play, he is an important option. I had the pleasure of coaching him in the national team and he was a serious, hard-working guy, always ready even if he doesn’t play,” the former Juventus coached declared.

“Now he is finding form and is of great satisfaction. For me he could also go to the European Championship because he gives the coach so many options, he is flexible and scores important goals.

“I’m happy for him and he deserves it for his hard work. He tried to contribute and against such tight defences it is not easy.

“I wanted to use his speed and technique because we expected this type of match, with a compact block to defend the goal and long balls to [Leonardo] Pavoletti. Alexis [Sanchez] also contributed and I am happy with his commitment.”

Conte made changes to his starting line-up for the visit of the Isolani, with Hakimi and Lautaro Martinez dropping to the bench, and the coach revealed his reasoning for the shake up.

“Alexis deserved a chance from the start, since in training he always proves himself. I wanted Hakimi as an option from the bench in case we needed to change things, as it happened. He has played many games and it was right to let him rest, whilst bringing him on after 60 minutes let us utilise his pace.”

The former Juventus coach was seen celebrating vocally at the final whistle as his side moved closer to the Scudetto, and he admitted that he always looked to share his emotions with his squad.

“I always feel great emotions, positive or negative. I always try to transfer them to my players, it is also right to share them with them.

“I don’t consider myself a father to them but rather an older brother who sometimes scolds them, sometimes embraces them. It is right to reward them when they gave everything like today, and it was right to share this joy together.

“We know that the road is long and even if we are getting closer, nothing is achieved yet. Now we have two days of well-deserved rest after three intense victories, before focusing on Napoli,” Conte concluded.