Coppa Italia, Handanovic: "We are at Inter to win trophies"

ROME - On the eve of the Coppa Italia final 2022/23: Inter are preparing to face Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome in the final act of the competition. In the press conference alongside Simone Inzaghi, Samir Handanovic answered journalists' questions:

Inter are about to play a Coppa Italia final and then a Champions League final also: how would you describe this season? "I can't give a definition because it's not over yet. The remaining matches will determine a lot of this season in my opinion." You have been in Italy since 2004: did you feel a particular emotion when you met President Mattarella? "It was a different experience from all the others we have had, it was a pleasure. I was surprised that he recognised me by calling me by name, then he told me that three days ago he had met the president of Slovenia here in Rome. He knew all the players very well, both from Inter and Fiorentina". Inter managed to overcome a difficult period this season: what sparked the team into action? "When you lose, you grow: defeats bring you back to reality and take away that complacency that you should not have. Victories then bring self-esteem and confidence: winning always helps".

How are you preparing for this match? "I look forward to this match like all the others we have faced this year. We know it's a final, but we are at Inter to win trophies: in the last few years the team is back where it deserves to be and Inter is back to compete and win". Are you proud of the high esteem of your teammates and of being referred to as one of the locker room's assets? "Since 2004, when I arrived in Italy, I have been a professional. You have to adapt to your role, it is not only what happens on the pitch that is important, but also everything else. I have learnt a lot from many people and the thing I am most satisfied with in my career is that I have grown every year. Since wearing the captain's armband, I have started to take more responsibility than before". In the delicate moments of this season, have you felt more responsible than in the past? "Every season new things happen and every year is different. When there is nervousness it is a positive sign, it means that everyone is involved and cares about the cause. It's not always nice to see two teammates arguing during a game, but it's much worse if no one says anything: if it happens it means everyone cares".