Inzaghi: "Winning the final would be important for everyone"

La finale di Supercoppa Italiana tra Napoli e Inter è dietro l'angolo. Lunedì alle 22 ora di Riyadh, quando in Italia saranno le 20, i nerazzurri - reduci dal 3-0 sulla Lazio - affrontano i campioni d'Italia in carica.

Alla vigilia della sfida, all'Al-Awwal Park di Riyadh, Simone Inzaghi e il capitano nerazzurro Lautaro Martinez rispondono alle domande dei giornalisti dalla sala stampa dell'impianto saudita.

What are the dangers tomorrow? "Many times, finals are decided by episodes: we'll need to be very attentve. We've only got two and half days to prepare for it, the team needs to keep working as they have done in the last few games. We're coming up against the champions of Italy, who won 3-0 in the semi-final. They're having a tough time in the league but they have lots of quality inside a deep squad. We'll have to put in a big performance". You have already lifted four Supercoppa Italiana trophies: how would it feel to win it? "It would be massive for everyone. Winning it three times in a row has only happened once in the history of Italian football. We won the derby here last year, against Juventus two years ago, and now we want to beat Napoli". Is there a bit of tiredness in the camp? Are you thinking of freshening things up? "Those who played on Saturday have had a recovery session. A few players are a bit fatigued, so we'll see how training goes today. I still don't have the full picture yet and need to see how those who played against Lazio are". Napoli will play with three at the back and probably be quite defensive: how do you approach a tactic like this? "Napoli have changed formation, before they wanted to dominate possession of the ball but now less so. If Mazzarri sticks with the way he went in the semi-final we'll be ready for it: regardless of formations and tactics, what matters most is motivation". You share Supercoppa Italiana wins with Lippi and Capello: is this record important for you? "I'm happy it's for Inter more than for me. It would be great to win it: I've commended the work from the lads because they have put Inter ahead of their own personal joys since 13 July. This is the secret to a squad". How different is it from the league game? "The context, the preparation: at the Maradona we were off the back of the game with Benfica, where we had many lots of changes. Here, everyone is in the same condition. Napoli will line up differently, but our intensity will have tonbe the same". The importance of Captain Lautaro. "He is very important. Lautaro is doing a brilliant job, both on and off the pitch. He is taking responsibility and besides what he does on a matchday there's all the work behind the scenes and in training. I'm happy with him and his teammates. We've had a great six months, but we need to keep it going in the upcoming ones, too". Is there a risk of excessive trust? Is it more a question of tactics or mentality? "The distances on the pitch are really important: we need to play well because when you stay tight you cover the pitch better, and it's easier to absorb counter-attacks. We need to recover physically and mentally, but we'll also need to work tactically. We'll try to give the team all the necessary tools so that they all know what they need to do". Will this game be a signal for the league? "Obviously, it would give out a strong message, but we need to focus on this trophy. There'll be a full house, finals are always great to play and are there to be won. The league campaign will be fascinating". What type of horse are Inter? "I don't know anything about horses, only Inter and football. I only played football as a kid, I like to do it with the lads, and I also play with my kids". A second final in Saudi Arabia for Inter: do you see the fan growth in this country? "I saw lots last year and have seen more again this year. We're happy to have so many fans here in Saudi Arabia".