After netting the only goal in Inter’s 1-0 win over Hellas Verona today, wing-back Matteo Darmian recognised the importance of his strike but claimed he was not a striker.
Darmian stepped off the bench to win the match for Antonio Conte’s side and send them 13 points clear at the top of Serie A, ahead of AC Milan’s match against Lazio tomorrow. Inter only require a maximum of six points to secure the title, courtesy of the victory at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
In an interview with Italian television broadcaster DAZN following the final whistle, Darmian admitted that the win was significant in Inter’s title aspirations.
“We knew that today would difficult because Verona play man to man with good football. But today the result counted, getting three points that brings us closer to the finish line,” the former Manchester United defender claimed.
“We feel good. We train to be ready for these emotions, today went well. The victory is very important.”
Darmian has often been utilised as a back up option this season but has made his impact felt in recent weeks, having netted the only goal in a win over Cagliari two weeks ago.
“We work hard every week from the first to the last minute and the coach always keeps us on our toes. We are all important and I feel the confidence of the coach and teammates, which makes everything easier.”
The 31-year-old’s recent goalscoring exploits led to comparisons with Inter strikers Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez, but Darmian laughed it off.
“They are better at scoring goals. I try and sometimes it happens but the important thing is that we get the victories,” he concluded.
