Spalletti: "We've made important steps forward with character"

APPIANO GENTILE - Following our last-minute win against Sampdoria on Saturday, it is now already time for the Nerazzurri to re-enter the fray. Tuesday will see LucianoSpalletti’s side take on Fiorentina at the Meazza, with the Coach today holding his pre-match press conference.

“I’m pleased with the team spirit that I’ve seen in training. They are all eager to make themselves available and for that reason, I need to think about my choices. They all cannot play every single match, however, we have a group in which we can replace certain elements and still maintain the team’s same level.

“At the moment Nainggolan needs to play to acquire match fitness. Fatigue arrives in the tough spells of matches and this is something that must be assessed. Icardi still hasn’t scored in the league? He always receives attention from defenders and this creates space for those around him who can benefit. Brozovic can take up the responsibility of being the playmaker in our midfield and he can do well. He is a football connoisseur and instinctively he knows how to dictate the team’s play. However, he is used to attacking spaces and sometimes this running can hinder one’s playing quality.

“We previously dropped some points, but now we’ve won two games and made notable steps forward in terms of character. The team knows the importance of the games coming up and we must not sit back – we need to get the three points. It won’t be easy because Fiorentina have a good coach and are doing well. They also have the support of their city, something which is important to them.

“As for us, there is also the atmosphere of a stadium which will be full once again. The fans always support the players and this will spur us on. San Siro is a very important stadium, and when you play in front of such a crowd you need to be flawless and avoid making mistakes.

“We now have more depth to our squad with players that know what they’re doing in front of goal. I expect more goals to come from other areas of the pitch because they have the opportunity to get in the right areas. Those who come onto the pitch not only bring freshness to the game, they’ve got to look to win the match for us – this is what makes the difference. The best player on the pitch can come off because whoever comes on for that spell must also be the best.”