Inter midfielder Roberto Gagliardini was pleased to have started in yesterday’s 1-0 win over Hellas Verona in Serie A and felt that his preparation allowed him to take his chance.
The former Atalanta player has featured sparingly under coach Simone Inzaghi but in the absence of injured duo Marcelo Brozovic and Nicolo Barella, retained his starting spot against Verona after featuring in the Coppa Italia against Parma on Tuesday.
In an interview with Italian television broadcaster DAZN after the final whistle, and as reported by FCInterNews.it, Gagliardini put his ability to slot back into the team down to his work on the training ground, and his determination to contribute to Inter’s season.
“We are still here, Napoli had a great performance. But we have the whole second half of the season to fight, in May we will see where we will be,” Gagliardini said.
“It is useless to worry about lost points. On Wednesday we have the Supercoppa Italiana, let’s think about that and then about the remaining matches.
“I work to always be ready. I think this is the first time I’ve played two consecutive matches with the coach. I think about myself and do the best I can,” he added.
Gagliardini admitted that it was tough to not be selected regularly for Inter, but he was able to deal with his role as a squad player better than he had done in the past.
“I’m 28, I’m 29 this year. In terms of playing time, it’s been a tough two years. This year I’ve grown mentally, managing to face the toughest moments, when I wasn’t taken into consideration. I feel more mature than a few years ago,” he concluded.
The Italian international is out of contract at Inter this summer and is yet to agree new terms to remain at the club beyond June.