Spalletti: "We have to be constant in our work"

APPIANO GENTILE – It was already time for Luciano Spalletti’s latest press conference for the midweek round of fixtures which pits Inter up against Bologna at the Stadio Dall’Ara. “Everyone has recovered well after the Crotone match which was played on a pitch where the players tired more than usual with the weather and pitch conditions against a very tough, stubborn opponent. We all did well, Handanovic’s contribution was important. I’ve found everybody in the right condition to face Bologna tomorrow.” 

In midfield, Spalletti can count on some very versatile players. “A static midfield always gives the opponents an advantage, a dynamic midfield is harder to mark and it makes the team less predictable. The play in attacking midfield is decisive, we need to know how to best interpret the role and we have lots of players who can fit in there. I still need to decide who will play in the middle against Bologna.” 

There was also discussion of individuals. “Icardi and Perisic have been praised a lot in these weeks but as much as we need them, they need us and the team as a whole. All of the great teams know how valuable individual players are but if they can’t make the difference, only collective play allows you to win matches. Dalbert? In Crotone he was a bit tentative at some points in order to follow tactical instructions, he was very focused on doing what we asked but the boy has significant quality, including in defence and he played his part.” 

Finally, there was an update on how the injured players are recovering. “We’re very careful with this, the fundamental thing is to avoid recurrent injuries which destroy a player’s morale. We put faith in how the player feels, they need to know this and take responsibility. Cancelo wants to come back, we’re monitoring him but fortunately we don’t need him back right now in terms of numbers.”