Conte: "A signal of consistency and conviction"

FERRARA – Inter recorded a big win at the Stadio Paolo Mazza this evening, with four different players getting on the scoresheet in a four-goal haul for the Nerazzurri against SPAL: Candreva broke the deadlock, Biraghi doubled the lead, Sanchez added a third and Gagliardini finished the match off once and for all.

“For us, it was important to send a signal of consistency and conviction,” said Antonio Conte after the match. “These are matches that, on paper, might seem easy, but you can’t take anything for granted in Serie A. We did well to take to the pitch with the desire to all but secure our spot in next season’s Champions League and reclaim second place.”

On Eriksen’s performance: “Cristian is working hard and trying to become accustomed to certain playing patterns and a league which is much more tactical compared to the Premier League. He’s a great guy, he’s humble and has quality. He’s becoming more aggressive and I think he performed well. I’m happy for him, he needs to continue working in this way because it’s only a question of time for him.”

The four goals scored by the Nerazzurri in Ferrara were the fruit of Inter’s labour, with Conte’s side stringing together many moves full of quality: “It’s satisfying when you score goals in this fashion because it means that the work you’re doing is paying off. Since lockdown, we’ve adjusted the positions of our players in midfield and attack somewhat to try to be more unpredictable. We’re the only team that has had 18 different goalscorers, and this demonstrates our desire to occupy the opposition box in large numbers. This attitude means that there’s a higher chance that we risk giving something away, but it also makes us very dangerous.”

Finally, the Coach talked about Sanchez: “We really wanted to sign Alexis because he has important characteristics, and we had the opportunity to bring him in on loan. It’s a shame that he got injured and hasn’t been available for much of the season. He’s now starting to feel good and is an extra weapon for us. He’s found his form again and has the enthusiasm and desire to play. I’m happy for him because he’s undergone a great deal of suffering and now he’s full of hunger.”