Inter wingback Matteo Darmian feels that sometimes it is easier to get ready mentally for the most difficult matches than it is to approach the “smaller” ones.

Speaking to InterTV after the Nerazzurri’s Coppa Italia win over Atalanta, via FCInterNews, the 33-year-old noted that, from the team’s perspective, there is little question about the way that they need to approach preparing for the biggest matches such as the one against La Dea.

Inter beat one of the form teams in Italy in the form of Atalanta, putting in a very good performance to cruise to a 1-0 victory over Gian Piero Gasperini’s high-flying side.

The result was a testament to the fact that the Nerazzurri have been in sparkling form against Italy’s heavy-hitters recently, with wins over Napoli and AC Milan having also come since the return from the winter break.

For his part, Darmian is not surprised by this.

“The most difficult and most important matches for the players and for everyone are the ones that are easiest to prepare for,” he suggested.

“The motivation aspect makes a big difference,” he continued.

“Lately we’ve succeeded in this respect,” Darmian went on, “but what we need to improve on this year is consistency.”

“We’ve made some slip-ups and found ourselves a ways behind in the league, but there’s still time to go in all competitions for us to fight for our goals.”