Coppa Italia, Conte: "Good performance but we gifted them two goals"

MILAN - In what was a decent performance, Inter didn’t manage to replicate the result from the league and were beaten by Juventus in the first leg of this Coppa Italia semi-final.

After Lautaro’s goal, a coming together between Young and Cuadrado in the box and a misunderstanding between Bastoni and Handanovic allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to turn the game around with a brace. After the break, Antonio Conte’s boys were much-improved and looked to force an equaliser. Unfortunately, Buffon and Demiral came to Juve’s resue as they came out on top of this first round. The second leg will take place in Turin in a week’s time.

Here’s what Antonio Conte had to say to Rai Sport:

"We did it all today and our regret is enormous. Juventus didn’t have to work for their goals and I don’t remember Handanovic having to make any big saves. We committed two gross errors that gifted them the lead. I think the team did really well and the boys gave it their all. As always, we created a lot and put Juventus under immense pressure but we need to be more clinical because goals make the difference.

Is the tie still wide open?

"We’ll need to win by two goals and not concede. This obviously won’t be a walk in the park because Juve are a strong side. Anything can happen but we need to recharge and think about our game in Florence in two days. It’ll be a tough game in all aspects. After that, we’ll prepare for the second leg."

How’s Lukaku?

"Romelu is calm. We’re talking about a great lad, who’s always behaved in the right way. We should move on but I understand that some things do make the news."

How much did you miss Lukaku and Hakimi?

"They’re definitely two important players for us, but at the same time, the team performed very well. Unfortunately, we paid the price for two unlucky errors that gave Juventus the victory. We also failed to capitalise on some great chances, so it’s not worth dwelling on those absent players. Those who played did a good job."

How do you explain the mistake that lead to Juventus’ second goal?

"Mistakes can happen, and it’s a shame because we made two quite bad ones today in an important game against Juventus."

Is the team playing at a lower tempo than last season?

"I don’t think so. If tonight had ended 2-0, like in Serie A, I don’t think anyone would have seen a difference. We’ve not been playing as well as we were at the start of the season when we were a lot tidier, but I don’t think that the team is any less aggressive."