Conte: "A difficult match, we need to be attentive and continue what we're doing"

APPIANO GENTILE – On the eve of Lazio vs. Inter, Antonio Conte answered questions from journalists relating to the match. This is what he had to say:

How is the team doing going into the game?"We’re doing well: while it’s our third game in quick succession, this applies to Lazio too. Every player is available and this is not something to complain about.”

What importance are you attaching to this match against Lazio?"We lost four matches last year, one of which was against Lazio at the Olimpico. It’s an important and difficult match against a strong side. We want to pick up a positive result and do better than we did here last season.”

Do you feel like the team is now more ready for games like this?"In order to feel ready, you need to play games and experience these types of matches. It’s undoubtedly a challenging game, but every match presents difficulties. Against Benevento, our main challenge was to approach the game with the right determination right from the get-go. As regards Lazio, we’ll be coming up against an excellent team who had ambitions to win the Scudetto last year. We’ll need to be attentive and look to carry on down the same path.”

Are you curious to see how your team will approach the match?"We’re all curious to see what answers we have when it comes to matches like this one, but we’re working on certain situations and we’re working well. We want to continue the journey we’re on and do our best in the process.”  

In recent matches, Inter have played with an attacking mindset. Against stronger opponents, will this change how the team go about things?"The best sides always need to have their own mentality and mindset. Our opponents need to be studied and respected, but they shouldn’t strike fear in us. Even when they’re up against stronger opponents, the best sides still play in the same way, taking risks but not changing their playing style. They still try to implement their idea of playing.”

Will Vidal be available?"Yes, he’s feeling fine. He’s trained and is available for tomorrow."

When it comes to Inter’s game, how important is it to have a wide player like Hakimi?"He’s a player that has specific characteristics in the attacking phase. In the system we play, having players with such characteristics allows you to be more dangerous. Perhaps you won’t have as much defensive stability, but we’re working together to make him a complete and modern player. He’s working hard and showing great commitment. I am also very happy with Perisic and Young."

Nine goals scored in the first two games but also five conceded. How do you plan on balancing this situation?"We’re working to find the perfect balance between the offensive and defensive phases. We’re doing important things in possession and when we’re on the attack, but, at the same time, we need to avoid being caught unprepared for certain things. One must decide whether it’s better to draw 0-0 or to win 5-4. For us, the latter, I would say, is more important for us."

Does it bother you that the work of a coach is judged on the team and the changes made rather than other aspects of preparation?"In Italy, the final judgement is strongly based on the outcome of the match: one often doesn’t look at whether the style of play is aesthetically pleasing, or at the organisation of the team. We’re very attached to the final score, but, at the same time, we must follow our own work and believe in what we’re doing. We’re also sometimes on the end of negative comments, but we shouldn’t be affected by this. We must provide something to the people that watch us that shows off the beauty of the game of football, and then we must win matches.”