Inzaghi: "Motivation will make the difference. We need 120%"

APPIANO GENTILE – Simone Inzaghi says motivation levels could prove decisive as the Nerazzurri head into the season finale in contention for two trophies.

Inter host Empoli at San Siro on Friday evening – the first of their last three league fixtures – before Wednesday's cup final in Rome against Juventus.

This is what the coach had to say to Inter TV ahead of Friday's Serie A clash.

What sort of game are you expecting tomorrow? 

“It's going to be one of those really tricky matches because Empoli are a quality team who have already achieved their target for the season. We need to be careful because they're very well-drilled and they'll come here looking to play their game.”

You showed a big-team mentality to win a very important game against Udinese. Does that bode well for the run-in?

“We won a game which was not at all easy. I'm very pleased with how we played in Udine – with character and determination. We really wanted to win and we did it by maintaining our focus, as great teams do.”

You've reached the crunch stage of the season now with two trophies up for grabs. What's the most important thing on a psychological level?

“I think the last four games will be determined a little less by technical and tactical aspects and a little more by motivation. I'm lucky to work with a group of players who have always had massive motivation. Tomorrow we're going to need 120% effort in front of our fans against a very good footballing side.”

Does it make a difference the fact you're playing before AC Milan?

“What I have to do, and my staff have to do, is focus on the things we can influence, which is our team, without looking at what our rivals are doing. We have to concentrate on ourselves and put 120% into it.”

Another full house is expected at San Siro. How much help can that help?

“Our fans have been magnificent all season long. We'll have another sell-out tomorrow and I'm sure the crowd will give us that bit extra again. They've done that all year both at San Siro and on the road, like in Udine last Sunday when it felt like we were at home even though we were away.”