Inzaghi: “We know what the derby means and will give our all to win”

Inter are ready to return to Serie A after the international break. They make their return with the Milan Derby, at home, with San Siro ready to support the Nerazzurri. Simone Inzaghi, Nerazzurro coach, responded to journalists’ questions at the press conference ahead of the match on Saturday at 18:00 CEST. 

How important is it to build on the first three games ahead of the derby? 

“Milan have impressed so far, just as Inter have done; it’s only the fourth match of the championship but it’s an important match that we want to face in the best possible way.” 

How do you leave a player like Frattesi out? 

“Davide is a player that we really wanted, he’s fitted in nicely, he works well together with his teammates, then I have to make choices and I am happy to be able to make them. I said it last year, there was a point where I was forced to make choices, then - once I had all my players at my disposal - I was able to make my choices and Inter improved a lot.”

How important could it be to beat Milan? 

"We know the importance of this game, what it represents for us, for the team and for the fans, the boys have prepared well. It hasn’t been the same preparation as for other games but this is the case for everyone. Sanchez, I’ll only see today, Cuadrado looks calm, tomorrow I’ll make some choices only and exclusively for this game, and then from Sunday, we’ll think about the Champions League."

What indications have you received from Milan’s first three games? 

“Inter have changed two players in the starting XI, Milan three or four, they are two teams that have renewed, that have played very well, each with their own identity. Tomorrow isn’t decisive but we know what it means for our city and our fans so we will give our very best.” 

Have you only watched matches from the league this year or also the Champions League matches from last season? 

"We have played Milan many times, we have changed some players but the principles remain the same. The first matches of the championship have given some indications."

How important is it to arrive aware of your own value? Have you prepared anything special for Leao? 

"He will be under special watch, he is a great footballer and we will try to take countering measures as we have always done. For the four derbys of the last year, I can say that I am proud of the victories we achieved, giving our fans something to celebrate but we know that on the pitch, previous matches don’t matter, rather it’s about two teams that will do everything to win tomorrow."

The four victories in the derbys have become a statistic: are you worried that this won’t continue? 

"No, we are aware that we have to be very concentrated: neither of the teams have worked this week as we had done for the previous games, lots of players have travelled or played 180 minutes. We need to be focused and work to be our best."

Frattesi and Barella played together for the National Team…

"They have already played together in matches, they are similar players who can also play together, and they’ve demonstrated that. I make choices for the good of Inter about who will play, we’ll see as time goes on."

What would it mean to win the derby? 

"It would definitely be a great message; until three games ago Inter were apparently worse off than last year but now it seems like we have to win the European Championships instead of Italy.  It is part of the game and we will not back down, we will continue to work knowing that we are facing very strong opponents."

What would it mean to score as many points as possible to start a streak at the top of the championship?

"That's the wish, but thinking on paper about a run of games is not good, we know that the Italian championship presents pitfalls every game. The wish is to have all the players available because, with so many games, I will need everyone."

Are you starting to train for these ‘super’ injury times at the end of the match?

"Yes, we have to be ready for these types of injury times, we also talked about it in the last meeting. We asked for VAR interventions to be faster but we have to get used to it because it is not only like this in Italy."

Is the team already ready for the two-match week? 

"Looking at what we have done I would say yes but we still have to start the campaign. For me it would be enough to have the whole squad available, I see them training well."

Milan play with a 4-3-3 now, does that change anything? 

"They have changed but I saw the same principles in these matches. An aggressive team, organised, well-coached. They have more physicality now. They will certainly do well."

Milan play very offensive football, is this an advantage or disadvantage for you? 

"I know that two strong teams are playing each other, two teams that have deservedly won their first three games."

This Inter compared to the team last year? 

"Time will tell as well as performances on the pitch. We have changed lots of players, we’ve lost important players but the club has been very good, putting very important young players with experienced players who will help them fit in in the best possible way. We have started well but only time will tell."

Doubts about the formation? Does it annoy you to read that Inter has to win? 

"No, it’s not a problem, it’s correct that Inter aspire to play as many games as possible. Last year we played the most games possible. My wish is to play 57 games again this season but only time will tell. We’re here to win, to win trophies and give our fans something to celebrate, we’re working for that. There are always doubts about the formation, I will have to evaluate, knowing which players have played 45 or 180 minutes for their national teams. Tomorrow we will do the muscle activations and then I will choose for the match."

When Frattesi and Barella will play together, who will have to sacrifice more defensively? 

"It’s not a problem for me to have to choose, they have demonstrated in the final minutes of the match and in preseason that they can play together, both have their tasks and have to know how to attack and defend because football has an attacking phase and a defensive phase, which the entire team must contribute to."

Inter-Milan is also Inzaghi-Pioli. What are the strengths of the two coaches?

"With Pioli, there is great esteem, everyone is going their own way; who is the best one, I don't know, I am proud of what I have done knowing that I have given a lot together with the boys. We may have just started but we know it will be a long season full of pitfalls; we will work as best we can for the good of Inter."