Inzaghi: "A very solid group: we're ambitious"

APPIANO GENTILE - After their victory over Lecce at San Siro, Inter are preparing to face Genoa on matchday 18 in Serie A. On the eve of the game against the Rossoblù, Simone Inzaghi spoke exclusively to Inter TV:

Genoa are an aggressive team all over the pitch. What kind of game do you think awaits at the Marassi? "It'll be a hard-fought game: Genoa are in good form and have high-quality players and a well-prepared coach who is doing well. We'll have to be shrewd and play with real intensity."

Genoa have played with an out-and-out centre forward in the form of Retegui but also with a false 9, namely Gudmundsson, thus adding numbers in midfield. Will Inter's approach depend on what Gilardino does? "Our principles will remain the same. Genoa have different options and will be boosted by the return of important players. We'll see how they take to the pitch, but the way we play our game won't change."

During this busy period, you have frequently rotated the squad. Will this continue against Genoa? "Yes, because we'll also have a few players missing tomorrow. The rotation of the squad needs to be a solution and mustn't become a problem, and it's something that has served us well during periods where we've had so many matches in quick succession. We'll train today and see which players are back fit and available."

Just like last season, Inter are racking up some impressive numbers in attack: beyond individuals, does it mean that the true secret to this team is the playing style? "We're happy with our numbers from the first 17 matches. We still have 21 games to play and will need to maintain our excellent attacking and defensive numbers. The secret is the real willingness that all the players are displaying."

The team celebration after Arnautovic's assist showed the solidity of the group. Do you think that this support will have given Marko some reassurance? "We have a very solid group: the lads care for one other and enjoy being in each other's company. There was a wonderful collective embrace after Barella's goal and we need to continue in this manner; clearly, the solidity of the group is very important."

It's the final game of the year. Can you define the past year in a single word and what word would you like to start 2024 with? "2023 has been very satisfying. We've won a couple of trophies and played a very exciting Champions League final. It's nice not to forget what we've achieved, but we have plenty of ambition and are looking ahead to the new year with plenty of enthusiasm. We want to go far together with our fans."