Conte: “We must grit our teeth and finish this cycle of matches in the best possible fashion”

MILAN - Inter landed their sixth successive Serie A win on Sunday, beating Spezia 2-1 at San Siro in what was the Nerazzurri’s final home game of 2020. Both Hakimi and Lukaku got themselves on the scoresheet on matchday 13, with two second-half goals putting Vincenzo Italiano’s side to the sword. 

Here is what AntonioConte had to say after the game:

Given the team’s recent run of results, do you think you have found the right balance?

“I don’t know, but this is our sixth straight Serie A win, we welcome these results because consistency will keep us competing at the top. We knew that today would be a tough game because Spezia are well-organised and close down space well before threatening on the counter-attack with physically strong players. 

“We didn’t create a huge amount but we conceded almost nothing, it was a deserved win. We’re playing every three days and there is a bit of tiredness, physically and mentally. It is pointless trying to hide that. However, we want to finish this cycle of fixtures in the best possible fashion. We don’t want to give up now and we need to grit our teeth to prepare for our match against Verona, despite only having one training session beforehand. The hope then is to recover a bit of energy over Christmas because our lads haven’t stopped, particularly with international commitments.”

Will the current group of players be the squad to see you through to the end of the season or will you look to make some changes in January?

“We must finish this cycle of matches and then we will speak with the Club’s hierarchy. At that point, we will then make cool-headed decisions about any potential dealings. We will have the chance to draw up a mini balance sheet with objectivity and serenity.”

After Brozovic came off, Barella did well in taking up a more central role. Do you agree?

“Brozovic was booked, so there was a danger of losing him to a second yellow. He played well but Nicolò can also offer solidity in that position. He’s less of a playmaker and more of a holding midfielder, but he has already shown he can occupy that role and replace Marcelo. I think he is the only one in the squad who can do so.”

Was it important to have Vidal back?

“Yes, Arturo now needs to work hard to catch up with his teammates’ levels of fitness.”