Inter manager Antonio Conte has admitted that the team lacked luck in their goalless draw at home to Fiorentina tonight.
The Nerazzurri had no shortage of shots at goal during the game but could not find a way to get past Fiorentina goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano, who was in fine form and stopped anything and everything that came his way at San Siro.
“We played a good game with the right intensity. We were not very lucky tonight, we hit the woodwork twice. I have little to say to the guys who showed the right desire and in trying to win we even risked losing. Fiorentina deserve credit for a very good defensive performance,” he began an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, a short time after the full time whistle.
He was then asked about what his team are lacking and admitted he was happy that his players are disappointed to have not managed to pick up a win.
“When you miss out on points it is because there are shortcomings. We are trying to understand certain moments and certain situations and we must develop a killer instinct. I am happy that the players are disappointed with the result, it means I’m leaving my imprint on them.”
Next he was asked how important it will be to finish second and whether Inter’s focus will be on the remaining three league games or the Europa League clash against Getafe.
“The boys know that they must give their best in every game. Every game is important for us. We must show that the work we are doing is paying off.
“Sometimes you reap more than you sow , but I think this team has collected less than they deserve. There are three games left and the boys know that we don’t want to be settle with that, beyond the fact that the Champions League qualification goal has been reached by a large margin.
“Second place means you’re the first among the losers. There are people who are satisfied with this but for me second place has no meaning.”
Conte proceeded to speak on Lautaro Martinez, who has struggled to perform to the same level that he did in the first half of the season, and he was asked whether he thinks the media speculation has impacted him.
“I don’t think so. We are talking about a 22-year-old boy who didn’t play a lot last year. This year he has established himself but he has a path ahead of him.
“He is not a complete player, he has a long way to go still. He can have good and bad moments during this period of growth.
“I am interested in making the most out of him. We are happy, otherwise it would be trouble. These rumours concerning him are annoying because they insult the boy’s intelligence, si semina zizzania dicendo che pensa ad un’altra squadra. He is on a growth path and ups and downs must be accepted.”
In conclusion he was asked what needs to be done.
“We’ll postpone these talks until the end of the season. We have to finish this one and then have the Europa League. It is right for us to stay very focused on this season and then think about the next one.”