Inzaghi: "Important numbers, we want to carry on improving"

APPIANO GENTILE – After their victory over Empoli, Inter are preparing to face Sassuolo on matchday six in Serie A. Ahead of the game against the Neroverdi, Coach Simone Inzaghi had the following to say in an exclusive interview with Inter TV:

Your third match in the space of seven days is on the horizon. How are the team doing from a mental and physical perspective? Will there be changes? "It'll be our fourth match in ten days, with many players having also been away on international duty and done plenty of travelling. However, I'm lucky enough to coach a competitive squad. We still need to train this afternoon, and then I'll make my choices."

Sassuolo have had a mixed start to the season, but their win over Juventus will have certainly given them a confidence boost and history tells us that they're capable of causing the biggest sides problems. "They come into this game having beaten Juventus thanks to a really good display, and they have a excellent coach who has his team really well organised. We need to be determined as we look to produce a big performance."

You have the best attack in the league with similar numbers to the best sides in Europe. Last season, too, Inter always created a lot but, at times, struggled to convert their chances. What has changed this year? "We create a lot; this is a fact. It's been happening for a long time, including last season. We're doing a lot of work not just with the strikers but with all the players; the aim is to be more and more determined when we approach the opposition box."

Both you and Sassuolo have undergone a lot of changes player-wise. It's striking how quickly the newcomers have immediately adapted to a new playing system. How has this been achieved? "Our squad has undergone a lot of changes, but the players who were already here have been important. They've helped the newcomers - however experienced they are - understand how to adapt to the Inter world. I see real willingness: everyone has been working excellently and in a really determined fashion since 13 July."

In addition to having the best attack in Serie A, Inter have the best defence in Europe having conceded just once in five matches. Including stoppage time, a save from the goalkeeper has, on average, only been required every 53 minutes... "The numbers are important; clearly, the whole team is working very well. When we talk about our attack and defence, our focus needs to be on the entire team. Not just the defenders but the midfielders and forwards are also working in the best way possible, and we need to continue to grow in both defence and attack while displaying a high level of motivation during every training session."