Conte: "A team win following a tough and determined performance"

VERONA – 2020 finished in the best possible fashion for the Nerazzurri, who beat Hellas Verona 2-1 at the Bentegodi thanks to goals from Lautaro and Skriniar and picked up their seventh consecutive league win in the process.

This is what Nerazzurri Coach Antonio Conte had to say after the match:

What is the most pleasing aspect following this match? “The fact that I saw a tough, balanced and determined team. It’s not easy to win here in Verona, compliments to Juric on the job he’s doing. The performance from the whole team, who wanted to win at all costs against an opponent that has made life difficult for all the big sides, is the most pleasing thing.”

Could it be that the elimination from Europe has cleared your minds? “Absolutely not. A wound remains that still hurts, and it must continue to do so in the future. For me, the players and the Club.”

Is a two-horse race with Milan for the title developing? “We’re focusing on ourselves and doing the best we can. It’ll certainly be a more even league, because many teams have strengthened and want to have their say. It’ll be a difficult season.”

Will you make any specific requests with the January transfer window in mind? “It's not up to me to ask, I just need to make assessments, as was done in the summer. Then the owners and Club will decide what to do based on the possibilities we have. The directors and I often have the same vision, but all the factors involved need to be considered.”

What’s still lacking before the side can win a trophy?  “We need to fight to try and win, regardless of what could still be lacking. This is the history of Inter, the team must always fight to win. Then, there’s only one side that emerges victorious, but we have to fight all the way to the end.” 

How important was the win today, regardless of results elsewhere?  “The key thing at this time is stay around the top of the table. It’s the seventh consecutive league win, that has to build morale and confidence. We have to keep going down this road. The Italian league is always very difficult and even more so this year. You can drop points against anybody, so we must always be on it and show that we’re a team. Today, we showed that desire to win, and that included what we did after the incident which made it 1-1. We showed great ruthlessness and determination. We have to keep doing the same until the last match of the season." 

How’s Lukaku doing, is he the face of this team?  “Romelu is an Inter player like all the others. He feels he’s one of the leaders in this team, but he’s not the only one. It’s right that he has certain responsibilities, but they shouldn’t be excessive for him. He has them, as do other players. We’re happy because he made an impact today, as did Lautaro, who had a great game. I’m happy that he scored because it’s always important for forwards to score. Now, they all need to make the most of this break to rest a bit because nobody has had any time off this year. They need to unplug for a few days and then be even readier to go again.”