Inter manager Antonio Conte had admitted that he feels Napoli are a very strong side ahead of tomorrow’s clash with them at San Siro in Inter’s penultimate game of the 2020/21 Serie A season.
“This has certainly been and is a new experience for everyone,” he began his pre-match press conference with Inter’s official club broadcaster Inter TV.
“However, you need to take a positive view and draw lessons from situations like this. Playing every three days has resulted in some positive insights that can be used in the future.”
Conte proceeded to sing the praises of his squad for the professionalism that they have shown and readiness to play when called upon during the campaign.
“This is a very professional group of guys. They are very focused and have always worked hard. Ranocchia has always responded positively when called upon.
“Credit must go to these lads. They’ve always shown their readiness even when they haven’t been selected. They’ve trained in a serious manner, like true professionals. I have no doubts: from a human perspective, this is an excellent group.”
The 50-year-old then went on to discuss the three previous meetings that they have already had against tomorrow’s opponents, of which they have won just one of.
“We certainly put in a good performance in the league. In certain respects, however, the Coppa Italia return leg was the best we’ve played against Napoli this season, and we definitely deserved more.
“Napoli are a very strong side who have always done their utmost to cause concern for the eventual Scudetto winners over the years. They’ve got an excellent squad, one which has been strengthened considerably. They also won the Coppa Italia.”
Next Conte spoke on the injuries that have plagued the midfield department this term and discussing when Stefano Sensi, who has currently sidelined due to injury, could be back in action.
“In midfield this year it’s been the case that one player coming back has coincided with another becoming unavailable. Sensi’s making progress, but it’s difficult to make any predictions at this point about when he’ll be back.
“He won’t be back in training with us by the end of the week, so that means the end of the league campaign. What’s important is that he’s doing well and that he’ll soon be able to put this year behind him. It’s been an extremely unfortunate one for him and that’s been costly for us.”
In conclusion he went on to state that he feels Inter’s top goalscorer this season Romelu Lukaku still has room to improve.
“Romelu is a player with room for improvement: in some situations he can and must improve. Just as I said after the game, we’re talking about a unique kind of player, because despite his size, his strength, his height and his role as a target man up top, he’s also quick, and when he’s got green grass ahead of him he’s got the athletic ability to score a goal like he did.
“It’s all up to him, just like any other player, and his desire to get better. He’s got room to improve, but what’s important is that each of us has that desire and hunger to raise our own level and grow more and more.”