Inter Milan defender Matteo Darmian feels that improving in Serie A will be vital next season after a third-place finish last time out.
Speaking in a press conference, as reported by FCInterNews, the 33-year-old also emphasized the need for the Nerazzurri to take self-belief from their run to the Champions League final last season.
Inter are now just a few weeks away from their Serie A season kicking off.
Before then, however, the team are still in the midst of their preseason.
The squad have already assembled in training for a couple weeks now. And on Sunday, the Nerazzurri made the trip to Japan.
Inter will give their Japanese supporters a rare chance to see them play in the stadium.
They’ll take on the likes of Al-Nassr and Paris Saint-Germain in friendly matches.
Matteo Darmian: Inter Have To Do Better In Serie A
Last season, Inter managed 72 points in Serie A. Whilst not the worst they could have hoped for, it saw them finish miles behind title-winners Napoli.
From the perspective of defender Darmian, there’s no question that this isn’t good enough.
Of last season, Darmian said that “It was a big season for us, and a long one too.”
“We didn’t do very well in the league,” he admitted. “We’re obligated to do better this season. We have to have the kind of consistency we lacked last time.”
“We went on an incredible journey in the Champions League,” the 33-year-olf added.
“We certainly have to take that as the basis for self-belief so that we can have a great season.”
“We want to improve, grow another level as a team,” Darmian said. “We’re aiming for the very top, just like every season.”
He noted that “We know that playing for such a big club always has to push us to give even more. We want to win more trophies.”
Of Japanese football, Darmian said that “It’s a football that’s growing. I think football is beautiful in every part of the world.”
“We’re certainly getting along well in this environment and culture,” he added.
Darmian said that “It’s great to feel the affection from the Japanese fans. I don’t know many of the players here. I do know, however, that Nagatomo played for Inter and did very well.”
