Spalletti: "We're ready for the start of the season"

APPIANO GENTILE - “The general conditions of the squad are good and we are ready to play against anyone,” said LucianoSpalletti at the start of his pre-match press conference for Sassuolo vs. Inter tomorrow. "This means that we'll try to win against any opponent.

“Our squad is stronger and we now know more about ourselves. We must look to improve upon our league standing from last season.

“We can try to fight for the Scudetto. I want to praise the teams that have brought some important personalities to the league. Juventus are the strongest team, while there are then five other sides that can compete. We are among those five.

“Perisic knows our team very well, Vrsaljko not so much. Neither of them has played a single match yet, so we have to think about what decisions we’ll make.

“I've had pressure for years and now it's just excitement to get going again. This year is different because of what's happened in Genoa. We are all alongside those in this moment of suffering and we send them a strong embrace. I think that that the main thing now is to make sure these things don’t happen again. It’s a tragic event and all of our thoughts are with the families who are suffering. We have discussed it in the dressing room and everyone is troubled by what has happened.

“The club has done a great job, while the fans have been even better. They've supported us everywhere. We're happy with everything, but it's now time to go and play our matches. It's the football that counts now, with a serious attitude right from the off.

“Nainggolan is recovering but we need to be careful not to mess anything up. We need to do things with reason. I expect Brozovic to be a real leader in the team, aware of his position and how he can make the difference for himself and the team. Vecino? He was struggling with inflammation that kept him out for a bit, but now we’ll really get to see his potential. He’s a player that can improve on last season.”