Inter vs. Juventus: Inzaghi's press conference

On Sunday 27 October at 18:00, Inter take on Juventus on Matchday Nine in Serie A. Simone Inzaghi's press conference on the eve of the game LIVE:

How are the team preparing to take on Juventus?

"We all know the importance of the match, what it means for our side and fans. It's the ninth match in the league, it won't be a decisive match, but it's still important, two great teams that have basically had the same form in the League and Champions League go head to head".

How are Inter doing ahead of the game and how are the current injured players?

"We come into the game in a good run of form, with a run of five wins on the bounce, unfortunately we've had a few minor problems that will limit us a bit in the five games leading up to the the next break but the players are ready, they've trained well and tomorrow I will try to put out the best team possible so we can put on a good display against Juventus".

Thiago Motta said that Inter and Napoli are favourites for the Scudetto, would you also add Juventus into that?

"I think that the league is wide open this year with a lot of teams who have invested heavily, it will be much more balanced compared to the last two seasons".

What will the midfield look like? Who will play?

"In terms of Calha and replacing him, we know what it means for us, he's a world class player but he's not here at the moment, the natural replacement is Asllani, so he will play if he gives me the right assurances, he's a player who is developing and working well. He had a problem before leaving for the Roma game, he had his first training session yesterday and he didn't do badly but we will need to assess him today. We also have Barella who can play in the same role and has done really well in the last two games, the same with Zielinski who has been very good, so I will have this doubt with me until tomorrow evening".

What could aid Inter's growth?

"What I want to keep doing is to continue improving us because football is always evolving, the teams are becoming more organised and we always have to be aware that the matches are difficult. For example, Young Boys made life difficult for us, there are always difficulties to face, the idea of the team is to always improve. We had some difficulty when we lost the derby, then we won five consecutive games, winning them whilst facing some difficulties but we've analysed the matches and we know what we need to do to improve"

What sort of match do you expect tomorrow?

"We've played against Juventus ten times, tomorrow will be the eleventh time, since I've been here and the games have always been very balanced. It'll be a really even game, Juventus only lost their first game two days ago. They're the side with the best defence in Europe and have a manager that I really like and they've invested a lot. They'll be near the top all season and we will need a big performance tomorrow".

How have Juve changed under Motta? 

“Their principles have changed: Allegri has his and Motta has his. I respect both of them a lot, we had some really difficult games against his Bologna side. Juve have racked up a good amount of points so far and it will be a competitive game”. 

What would winning tomorrow add?

“Great awareness, but last year it came at a different time compared to the ninth league match. We know what it means as well in terms of the atmosphere, which we will need for a big performance”.

Does it bother you a bit that other coaches are hiding away from talking about Inter in the race for the scudetto?

“I can only talk for myself. We have our own goals, which are to play many games to go further in the cups and do well in the league. For me, there are four or five other teams with the same goals, even more so this season with the transfers made”. 

How is Buchanan doing?

“Buchanan was with the group yesterday. We have wanted him and have waited, he can make a big impact because he’s a top player. He was doing his best when this problem hit. In terms of Carlos’ injury, we’re still finding things out, but we saw how Bisseck played and we also have Darmian who can play there if we need to change things up a bit”.

Will the rain influence your preparations and choices? 

"No, for me what matters is the training session today and what the players are showing me. We are coming off the back of two big games and I will work with my staff to ensure that everyone is in good shape for tomorrow”. 

How is Zielinski doing and how can he improve? 

“He’s working really well. We wanted him here for a while, he’s a complete player and can help us a lot. He had a problem in preseason and missed out for 25 days. Now he’s had another one and slowed down a bit, but I liked how he played on Wednesday. He got into the game well and will be really useful for us”. 

Which Inter-Juve match has given you the most satisfaction? 

“If I had to pick one it would be last year’s game. We came from the Supercup, Juve were gaining on us and despite our near perfect record, they didn’t give up. The win at San Siro in front of our fans gave us the push for the second star”. 

What does it mean to play against your brother just like Thuram will? 

“The feeling is still within me. I played against Pippo eight times. I think about Juve-Piacenza and it was exciting. They’ve already played against each other and tomorrow it’s time for Inter-Juventus, it’ll stay with me forever just like it will for their parents. I remember mine on that first match. Then we also played against Pippo for the scudetti on the final day, but I think about Juve-Piacenza when we lost 1-0 to a Pippo goal…”. 

What sort of indications have these consecutive wins given you? 

"More than anything, these five consecutive wins give us a lot of confidence and energy but we shouldn’t pat ourselves on the back. We analysed the games because we could’ve done better in parts. We suffered as a team and have helped each other just like we will do tomorrow”.