Inter Coach Antonio Conte: “Expecting A Tough Game Against Benevento, We Have No Injuries” | OneFootball

Inter manager Antonio Conte has admitted that he is expecting things to be tough for his side in tomorrow evening’s second match of the Serie A season away to newly promoted Benevento, who were last season’s Serie B champions.

“We are expecting a tough game from all points of view also because Benevento had an important seasonin Serie B last year as they won it with many days to spare,” he explained to the media, including FCInterNews.it, as part of his press conference.

Next he shared his delight for former teammate and current Benevento boss Filippo ‘Pippo’ Inzaghi.

“They have a coach who has been my teammate for many years. I know him well in terms of his character and what he can give to the team. I’m happy for Pippo and for what he did last year and how he started this year.

“It will be a tricky game. They showed character against Sampdoria and proved to be a team from all points of view and deservedly won despite going 2-0 down within the first 20 minutes. We need to be very careful.”

He was then asked by a journalist whether he believes that this team are getting closer to being his ideal Inter or not.

“Compared to last year, some players have left, others have come in and some have returned from loans.

“Numerically speaking especially in the midfield, considering the many injuries we had last season to Sensi and others like Barella or Gagliardini, today we are more protected.

“I think this is also important because when we face an anomalous season like this and we come from a period in which we have played many matches, I hope to have everyone available.

“I have all available to me, we have no injuries. I hope it can continue like this and we continue to have more luck.”

Next he was asked about the five substitutions rule that has been introduced and whether it is something that favours big clubs over smaller clubs whose squads do not have the same level of quality depth.

“I do not want to enter into this controversy because I know that my words are exploited. There are those who decide and we must adapt, just as we have adapted in the post-lockdown phase.”

He was then asked about the transfer market and what he hopes for when the transfer window comes to a close next Monday.

“It is more appropriate for the management to speak about the transfer market. As for me and all the coaches I think they want to see the transfer window end because it is inevitable that as long as it is open, true or false news can create little serenity in the players.

“I hope it ends in this way, the squad will be defined and everyone will know they are part of the project. As for the rest, the management are trying in every way to do their job well.”

Next he was asked whether he expects Radja Nainggolan to remain with the club and was asked what the Belgian midfielder can give to the team.

“I have already said that the management are responsible for answering these types of questions. I do not think it correct to talk about it.”

The former Italian national team boss was then asked how he intends to correct the mistakes made during the 4-3 win over Fiorentina on Saturday night at San Siro.

“I want to reiterate that I enjoyed the match against Fiorentina very much. I enjoyed the game because I liked it from all points of view, especially the attacking one because we created so many chances by playing attacking and aggressive football in the non-possession phase.

“When we conceded we found ourselves unbalanced. This does not depend on defenders or midfielders. We know that we have to defend and attack with a certain number of players, trying to be unpredictable. It is not something that is due to the absence of someone.

“I repeat that I enjoyed the performance offered by my team, it is inevitable that we need to improve. This weekend teams that attack with many men, like City or Bayern, lost 5-2 and 4-1 and they are top teams.

“It is inevitable that if you want to play attacking football you risk something more. We must be good at continuing to do what we are doing because the players have fun. At the same time we must improve in terms of balance.”

He was then asked how he feels ahead of coming up against Inzaghi as a manager for the first time.

“As I said before I had the pleasure of playing with Inzaghi, both at Juventus and in the national team. We have shared emotions for years. I know him very well and he knows me.

“I know he is passionate and is sick like me for football. He is a guy who studies football and I am pleased to know him from many points of view. I was sure he would do well, as he is doing.”

In conclusion he was asked about how important the system used in the final 15 minutes of the win over Fiorentina could become this season.

“Also, this season we will alternate between the solutions with our three midfielders who can help us find the right balance on the pitch in terms of high and low positioning, because we have players who have certain characteristics.

“Last year Inter scored 111 goals, if I’m not mistaken, a demonstration of the attacking traction and the balance in terms of high and low positioning.

“I do not know how many other teams in the world play with an attacking midfielder, two strikers and two wingers, because the two wing-backs are not defenders.

“What we have done in the last 15 minutes against Fiorentina may be an option during the match also because the alternative is to use all the players we have in the squad.”