Conte: "We have desire and enthusiasm, we'll need to show determination against SPAL"

APPIANO GENTILE – Three days after their home win against Torino, the Nerazzurri will face Di Biagio’s SPAL on matchday 33 of the Serie A season. This is what Antonio Conte had to say on the eve of the fixture: “We need to go into the match with the same desire and enthusiasm that we’re currently displaying, trying to give our all and pick up three very important points in the process.”

The Nerazzurri sit on 68 points after 32 games having only suffered four defeats. Inter have also had 18 different goalscorers this league campaign: “These numbers are testament to the excellent things that this team is doing: they need to provide us with the motivation to continue on the path we’re on as we look to do even better. We’re doing some important work, and I’d like to thank my staff for this: they support and accompany me, prepare videos of matches that we’ve just been involved in, analyse our future opponents, and also help in training and all the rest. Close collaboration and high-quality staff are required, which luckily I have.”

On the match against Di Biagio’s SPAL side: “We need to be attentive in our approach and show the right attitude and determination from kick-off. We’re facing a side that is adrift in the table, but let’s not forget that playing against big sides like Inter is a big motivational factor. Therefore, we need to pay attention. Our attitude, determination, the enthusiasm that we have and the desire to continue to do well and try to achieve victory are all things that will count for a lot. Di Biagio? He was the Italy Under-21 Coach when I was in charge of the National Team. He prepares for games very well and is a professional, he knows what he wants. He’s taken over a rather delicate and difficult situation, but I experienced this at the beginning of my career. It’s right that he has such experiences because experience counts for a lot in this job.”

There are various things to assess when it comes to the squad: “Moses is available, while Nicolò Barella is on the road to recovery. He’s started to work with the ball and we hope to have him at our disposal for the next game. Vecino is still struggling with a knee problem. Sensi is continuing to receive treatment. Meanwhile, Lukaku is trying to overcome a contracture, we hope to have him back as soon as possible.”