Spalletti: "We must get straight back to it, the team is improving"

APPIANO GENTILE - Luciano Spalletti today held his pre-match press conference ahead of our matchday 26 encounter, with the Nerazzurri tactician first discussing last week’s events in Florence:

“In terms of my post-match reaction in Florence, it’s clear that there is still a bit of annoyance. We played our game yet certain moments didn't prove decisive, therefore, we were a bit disappointed. However, the players know that they need to get going straight away in the league, and they’ve been training well. They’re in the right frame of mind for the rest of the season, where there’s still plenty left to play for.”

As for those on the scoresheet against Fiorentina, Spalletti singled out Ivan Perisic:

“The same thing happened with Ivan Perisic last year when he went through a bit of a hazy period and then recovered. You can be influenced by certain incidents in Italian football because there’s a heavy burden both psychologically and physically. However, even if Perisic doesn’t perform well from the outside and he misplaces a few too many passes, then he still plays an important role. He’s a strong player, reliable in every sense and he’s worthy of Inter.”

As for Lautaro Martinez, who’s preparing to face the team who he scored his first Nerazzurri goal against, Spalletti said:

“Lautaro is doing what I expected from him and is playing really well. During our last game, he beat his men in the channels, managed to lift the team, pressed their defence by himself and used his qualities to help the team. He’s dealing with this responsibility well, improving game by game and in training. He’s becoming an important reference point up front and his teammates have faith in him. A team never depends on just one player and I am sure that the team can make up for anyone who is missing.”

As for the midfield development of Brozovic-Vecino and Nainggolan, Spalletti continued: “

“This concerns the entire team’s improvement. The ball spends more time in their part of the pitch and they’re doing really well. Brozo and Vecino complement each other perfectly. One is better at pushing further forward and attacking the goal, while Brozo is more involved in building play from a deeper position, although he also knows how to finish. The team is doing really well from a physical point of view. There are still some players who can improve, one being Nainggolan who still has a lot more to offer.”

He concluded by discussing Keita’s condition: “We must monitor Keita daily as he improves in training. He’s progressed and I hope to have him available in a couple of matches time.”