Inter coach Antonio Conte admitted that it was pointless denying that his side were on the brink of winning the Scudetto, after a 2-0 victory over Crotone all-but sealed the title.
Second half goals from Christian Eriksen and Achraf Hakimi were enough for the Nerazzurri to overcome the bottom club in Serie A and condemn them to relegation, with Inter set to be crowned champions should Atalanta fail to beat Sassuolo tomorrow.
Speaking in his press conference after the final whistle at the Stadio Ezio Scifa, as reported by FCInterNews.it, Conte conceded that Inter were closing in on the title and that there was a great desire amongst the team to celebrate such an achievement.
“We feel close, there is no point in denying it. We needed to take an important step today and we did it. A point is missing to be mathematically sure and it’s something that is the result of our work and of the guys who showed strong desire for it,” Conte declared.
“Since last year, when we finished only one point behind champions Juventus and reached the Final of the Europa League, we have regained credibility. I think last year’s European final was underestimated.
“We now have a great desire to celebrate, in my opinion we are doing something extraordinary, so it is fair to celebrate a lot. I repeat, in my view our journey is extraordinary.”
Whilst Inter can be crowned champions from the comfort of their own homes tomorrow if Atalanta fail to win, the coach insisted that he would rather earn the title on the pitch against Sampdoria next weekend.
“Honestly, I don’t think it’s right to depend on someone else. The gap at the top is so big that it makes us think only of ourselves.
“I wouldn’t want to ignore Sassuolo in all this, who are having a great season and have ambitions. For us today, it was important to win.”
Inter were forced to work for the victory against Crotone and Conte conceded that his side had come up against a difficult opponent looking to salvage their Serie A status.
“We were well aware that it would not be an easy match. This year I don’t think it has been easy for many teams to play against Crotone, despite their position.
“I still think we approached the match in the right way, we didn’t think about the few chances that they had to save themselves. If we had underestimated them we would probably have taken a beating. They are organised, with quality, and in many cases they have not had the season they deserved.
“By virtue of the friendship I share with Crotone, I wish them a speedy return to Serie A, as well as (coach) Serse Cosmi, with whom I have affection,” Conte claimed.
