Spalletti: "We'll need the best version of Inter in Verona"

APPIANOGENTILE - As ever a day before a match, it was time for LucianoSpalletti’s press conference at the Suning Training Centre ahead of the trip to face ChievoVerona. "Chievo have started again with Di Carlo who is a coach that I know and he’s someone who has always done very well. They drew away at Napoli and they’re coming into the game after some positive results. If we don’t have our heads on right, we’ll run the risk of making it complicated. The players have prepared well for this game. A few days after, we’ll have another game which we have to remain aware of also but we’ll need the best version of Inter at the Bentegodi."

Spalletti was then asked about his squad for the match. "Nainggolan? He’s improving, he’s training well and working at his best on the pitch. I’ve not yet decided if he’ll start or play less in Verona. Dalbert? He’s trained with the team in the past days so he’ll be in the squad. Miranda? He has a slight muscular issue and it’ll be difficult for him to make it tomorrow. He’s an important part of our team, I’ve picked him for important games. I have to be aware of everyone in our squad because they’re all quality players but it’s obvious that someone will have to sit out."

The Coach was also asked to evaluate how the season has gone so far: "For me, it’s positive overall, I can see a clear improvement in the team’s attitude. In Italy, teams have got closer compared to last season. Juventus have got more points but there are a lot of teams around competing for fourth."

At this time of the year, the January transfer window is fast approaching: "It’s mostly the Club that concerns itself with this, I have a squad that already has a lot of quality. If the opportunities are there, our directors will certainly know how to make the most of them. The upcoming resolution of the Settlement Agreement will certainly be an advantage, we’ll have more players available to us in European competition and more freedom to operate in the transfer market."

Then, there some comments on individual players. "Mauro is our focal point in attack, it’s normal that he scores lots of our goals, those who play close to him can offer a bit more in terms of finishing. The discussion about his contract renewal? Everyone in the changing room is doing their job and behaving in the right way, we’re only interested in what happens on the pitch. The Club is there to deal with these issues. Skriniar? We have lots of players who are linked to other European sides, he’s certainly a pillar of our team and it’d be difficult to go without him. If I really have to find one negative about him, perhaps his first name…"

Finally, there was a message for Steven Zhang. "Today, I take the opportunity of wishing all the best to our President on his birthday, he’s a very important figure for us. Through his dedication and leadership, we’ll be able to work in the right way and move forward together."