Inter coach Antonio Conte spoke to gathered reporters at a press conference today ahead of tomorrow’s league clash against Torino, with Italian media outlet FcInterNews noting his words.

“Yesterday we reviewed all the players who were away with their national teams. It’s inevitable that during the break it becomes difficult to work and prepare for the challenge we have to face. Today, even though the weather isn’t the best, we’ll have to try to prepare well for the match. As far as recoveries are concerned, Sensi, Gagliardini and Asamoah remain unavailable, as well as Politano and Sanchez.”

He spoke up about the games leading up to Christmas and how important they are for the squad.

“In the meantime, we still have to clench our teeth, we’re still in a big emergency. This must be a further stimulus. At the same time, we know that we’ll have to pull out even more of the best players to make up for this situation that we hope will lighten up by giving me the chance to make choices without taking any risks. We have seven important matches before Christmas and we’ll have to try to do our best in the league and in the Champions League, knowing that it won’t be easy to pass to the next round in Europe. But we knew from the start that it wouldn’t be an easy season.”

The 50-year-old Italian coach touched on the injured Stefano Sensi.

“He skipped the whole last period between international breaks, now we’re trying to bring him back to the best physical conditions so that he can stay with us permanently once he’s back.”

Conte briefly spoke about the threatening letter that was sent to the Nerazzurri’s headquarters last week.

“As I said in the past, I think we should try to convey positive values for those who follow us, for future generations. I also talked about how surprised I was after returning to Italy. I don’t think it’s right to have discussions on these episodes that are negative, uneducated. The more discussions we have on these situations, the more negative messages we send to young people who see in us people who are supposed to provide positive teachings. The less we talk about it, the better. There are those who are doing their job and have assured me that they will give me news.”

The former Juventus and Chelsea coach didn’t have any regrets in regard to the injured players in the squad.

“For those who are injured, such as Politano and Sanchez, there is little to do. There are only two muscle injuries, Gagliardini and Sensi. We are not talking about numerous injuries. Surely in some areas of the squad if you add up one or two injuries it creates problems for us because perhaps, we are not so numerous in that department.”

The 50-year old Italian then discussed his relationship to Torino coach Walter Mazzarri.

“Relationships with Walter are excellent. We had the chance to face each other in England and we talked about our experience. It’s inevitable that when you play, I become his opponent and he is mine, so he will do anything to overcome us and I will do the same for them. The relationship remains one of great respect, I have respect for the person and the coach. I’m very happy for him who’s doing well because I know he spends a lot of time on football.”

He wasn’t thinking ahead to the Champions League game just yet.

“We have to think from game to game, for us the next one is the most important. Even if you want, there’s no such risk.”

Conte couldn’t give any indications on when Sensi, Asamoah or Gagliardini would return.

“Sincerely, this is a conversation that needs to be made with the doctor. They are working and certainly have different timescales but going into detail becomes difficult. I hope to have them as soon as possible.”

He was positive about the return of Italian full-back Danilo D’Ambrosio.

“Danilo is a recovered player. He has to find the best conditions, and this can only be achieved by training, but he’s a wild card. He can play in different roles both as a full-back and as a central midfielder. He’s an important player because of his characteristics, because he gives you the opportunity to put him in different roles.”

Finally, Conte touched on the attacking partnership of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez.

“We’re talking about a very important player for us, as is Lautaro Martinez. They’re both doing very well, there’s little to say. We just have to point out the work he’s doing, the goals he’s scoring. I’m very happy and I hope they continue like this.”