Inzaghi: "Tough game: we'll need the same determination"

APPIANO GENTILE - Friday 10 March at 20:45 CET sees Inter face Spezia at stadio "Picco" on matchday 26 in Serie A.

Head Coach Simone Inzaghi spoke on the eve of the fixture: 

A reaction was needed after Bologna and it came against Lecce. Next up is Spezia, you'll be looking to get some consistency that's been missing these last few weeks? "Absolutely, yes. We reacted well to the defeat and played really well against Lecce. We need to carry on in this way, keeping our determination levels high starting from tomorrow's game with Spezia."

There's a stark difference between performances at San Siro compared with on the road. Looking at the schedule Inter have, what are you expecting from tomorrow's game? "I'm expecting a tough game against a team who are fighting for a clear objective, and who have changed Head Coach. They're on the back of two good draws so we'll have to play the game as best we can, making sure we do the basics right."

Spezia and then Porto. After a lot of hard work and trying to get in the best shape, what physical condition is Lukaku in? Could this be where his season changes? "We know how important a player he is for us; he's a tough time of it recently. Now, though, he's showing some good signs; he's training well daily and has already got us a crucial goal in the game with Porto. We want him to continue improving himself physically so he can contribute more and help to bring us more victories."

What do you say to those who say you're too fixed on 3-5-2 and have no plan B? "Initially in my career, and also in my first year as a professional footballer, I played in another formation. Here at Inter, and in the last few years at Lazio, there were the right ingredients in the players to play that way, in my opinion, and we obtained some big results. But during a game, things can always be changed, like putting on an extra striker. Each decision that has to be made I try and make the right judgement calls and considerations."

How are Skriniar and Dimarco? "Dimarco is good, and is in the squad. Correa has partially returned to the group, but won't be available for Spezia. Unfortunately, Skriniar is still out, but I'm hopeful he can be with us, partially, on Saturday on our return to training."

Skriniar is trying to brush off an injury, but Darmian has always taken over carried out his duties perfectly. One is more of a defender, while the other likes to join in with forward plays: from the perspective of a Coach, what are the main things that influence the team when selecting one or the other? "They are both vital players for us, and are outstanding professionals. Obviously, they both have their own individual qualities. Fortunately, I'm lucky to have both Darmian and D'Ambrosio, who is working really well. We're learning to cope without Skriniar as best we can."

In midfield, the options are plenty and competition for places is high. Asllani and Gagliardini are having less playing time: how are they doing in training? Might this change with the number of games coming up? "We've got loads of games up until the end of the season: Gagliardini and Asllani are both great footballers who work at a high level on a daily basis. With Brozovic returning, rotation has been less, but they will be vital right until the end of the season."

Brozovic, after injury issues that kept him out for a long time, has gone from a certain starter to an alternative. This has also been down to Calha's great work in the playmaker role. How is the Croatian in this period? "He is working very well and I'm satisfied with him. He came on and performed well against Porto, and on Sunday against Lecce. Day by day his condition is getting better, and he'll soon be back being the player we all know and love."