Conte: "We deserved at least a draw"

MILAN – Romelu Lukaku’s goal wasn’t enough for the Nerazzurri, who lost the 173rd Serie A showdown between Inter and Milan this evening. Indeed, Milan were able to win their first #DerbyMilano since January 2016. An Ibrahimovic brace was ultimately enough to secure victory for Stefano Pioli's side.

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

What can this defeat be put down to: how the game developed or the problems that Inter had in the build-up to the Derby?“As I said in my press conference, it’s not the right time to assess non-footballing matters. It’s disappointing to have lost a game where we put in a good performance: we created a lot of chances to score, while they did well and also had a bit of fortune. The lads showed great commitment, it meant a lot to them. We were careless on two occasions and weren’t able to make the most of the many opportunities we had to win the game. We need to be more clinical, but I can’t reproach the lads, who fought until the very end. We didn’t have a lot of luck.”

Is it concerning that Inter have eight goals in the first four games of the season?"Defensive solidity is always important but it depends on how you look at the glass: is it half empty or half full? It’s inevitable that playing with two offensive widemen and two forwards will mean there’s lots of work to do to make sure everything is balanced. Tonight, we paid the price: we conceded two avoidable goals and we didn’t make the most of the chances we created. We all need to improve, but, had we made more of our chances, people would be talking about a different Inter. It’s a real shame, because the game ended in a loss and, worst of all, it’s a Derby defeat.”

Are Inter lacking a midfielder than come in and be a bit unpredictable?  “If you look at this game, Barella often got into the box and has the ability to be that kind of player. He’s got a big future ahead of him and, in any case, all of our midfielders are often able to get shots away. We’re good in that regard.” 

What is your assessment of the first 20 minutes of the game? “We started well. We could’ve scored, but they hit us on the break and we were two down when we could’ve been in front. It’s disappointing, because when you go two goals down to a good team, it can be difficult. We created a lot and deserved at least a draw. Well done to Milan, who hung in there.” 

How is Sanchez?  “We were really concerned, because the news from Chile was that it was a muscle problem. He only partially trained yesterday in order to reduce the risk. He was fatigued when he returned and we can’t afford any injuries with seven games in 23 days.”