Conte: "We're a step away from making history with Inter"

CROTONE - Three more points for Inter, who picked up win number 25 in the 2020/21 Serie A season. Eriksen and Hakimi came up with the goals for the 2-0 win in Crotone, and the Nerazzurri now only need a point from their last four games to secure Scudetto number 19. The title could also mathematically be sealed tomorrow should Atalanta fail to win at Sassuolo. 

Here were Antonio Conte's post-match comments:

Another hugely important win which brings you closer to your goal. Are these wins the result of a combination of factors?“The season that we’ve had is due to the continuous improvement of the squad. Not just in a tactical or technical sense, but mentally too. Those who play, those who come on and those who stay on the bench are all doing the right things and we’ve created something solid. We’re aware that we can do something extraordinary because Inter haven’t won a Scudetto in eleven years, and we’re breaking up a dynasty. The lads deserve this joy, congratulations to them.” 

Will you watch Sassuolo vs. Atalanta tomorrow together? “The guys knew I’d give them some time off with a win, as was the case after the Hellas Verona match. We need to be with our families a bit because it’s been a long and tiring season. We’ll certainly see what happens in the game but in a very calm way, also because there's a considerable gap in the table.  We’ve had a big season and don’t want to ask anyone else for anything. We shouldn’t need to.”

Has there been a moment when you’ve though that it’s job done? “This group has been on a journey of improvement and, like I explained in my press conference, there was a road to go down in order to be considered winners. There are still a lot of sacrifices to be made and you often have to give a lot up in order to do something extraordinary. Not everyone can do that, but I’ve found a group of lads who are all in the same boat and pulling in the same direction. We shared a dream and were aware we could make history with Inter. In order to make history at a club, you have to win and doing well is not enough on its own. We’re a step away from this and I’m very happy.”

Was it harder to start a cycle in Turin or harder to try and go down that road again with Inter? “They were both two extremely difficult situations because I joined Juventus after getting promoted with Siena and the side had finished seventh in the league. There wasn’t a vision in place and we weren’t fancied but beat strong sides. From then, an important cycle began. In coming here, I made the toughest decision because many others would have found things to hide behind. I tested myself, I love big challenges and I’ve always said I’m the number one fan of the clubs that I represent. It wasn’t easy to win over all the fans and I understand that, but I’m convinced that I’ve always given my all for the teams that I coach. I got involved to give my best and I’m satisfied because we’re doing something extraordinary.”

Have Inter changed you in any way?“It’s a new planet for me. It wasn’t easy, it’s not easy now and it won’t be easy in the future because there are a lot of dynamics in play, and people look to create negativity around Inter whenever the smallest opportunity arises. More positivity when we’re spoken about would be nice.”