Spalletti: "We could have been more daring"

LONDON - This was how Luciano Spalletti looked back on the 1-0 away defeat against Tottenham Hotspur. "It was a tough game but we prepared for this," he began. "Teams like Tottenham put you in difficulty because they have good physical attributes, strength and they know how to put you under pressure. Overall, we did well, showed spirit and willingness to make sacrifices but on the goal, we dealt with the run from Sissoko poorly. The team did what it needed to do, even if it wasn’t always with the right character but it’s also true that we missed a chance to go ahead through Perisic just before the Eriksen goal. I’m disappointed about the result because we didn’t give much up and we could have taken a few more risks at times. Sometimes, we give away simple balls because we’re too timid and that allows our opponents to get up the pitch."

Spalletti also explained the Nainggolan substitution: “Everything is fine with Radja and there was no issue between us at the time of his substitution. He felt pain in his ankle and he was having some trouble running as his muscle stiffened up, therefore, I opted to bring him off just before the interval. We had done all the necessary checks before the game, now we’ll see if he can be involved against Roma. I brought on Borja Valero as his replacement and he did well. He’s currently in good form and in great shape.”

Now, Inter’s hopes of Champions League qualification will depend on Tottenham’s result at Camp Nou: “I don’t know how Barcelona will play against the English outfit. They have a good run going at Camp Nou but this is not even worth discussing at this level, I have no doubts about the professionalism of players such as Messi, Suarez or Piquè.”