Borja Valero: "Inter vs. Juventus is a crucial match"

MILAN - As Inter vs. Juventus edges ever closer, BorjaValero today discussed the Derby D’Italia with Inter TV and Mediaset: “It’s always a crucial match when facing the Bianconeri. It’ll be a tough match. They are the Champions of Italy but it’ll be vital for us to secure all three points. We must remain focused, particularly during the first few minutes. We want to control the match, looking to be aggressive and playing well. We’ve created a lot of chances of late, but we’ve struggled to finish them off. Therefore, we must look to improve on this aspect of our game. Juventus have improved year on year, even financially.”

In terms of Inter’s current league position, the midfielder added: “There are still five games left of the season. We have a small advantage over the other contenders looking to qualify for the Champions League but we can’t relax. It’s better to be in front than behind. Last year we achieved our goal in practically the last 15 minutes of the season. I would prefer to do it before this time round and be able to relax a little…”

As for his own performance levels this season, Borja Valero said: “On a personal level, I always look to give my all for the good of the team. This year I think that I’ve given my contribution when called upon. My performance against Roma? It’s important but in regard to reaching our objective, I would’ve preferred to have played worse individually and instead came away with all three points.”

Lastly, the Spaniard concluded by discussing individuals and highlighting how the team now has a chance to achieve their objective: “There have been some complicated moments over the course of this season. Here at Inter, you earn things by working day by day but we’ve always progressed along our path and we now have the chance to finish the season by achieving the goal that we set ourselves at the start. Icardi? He’s younger than me but he’s already very mature. He knows perfectly how to handle himself in the best way. Lautaro? He’s growing really well. It’s not easy to arrive in Italy when you’re that young. Playing with the great expectations of Inter, at San Siro, it’s not a simple task but he’s doing really well and he’s undoubtedly an important part of the club’s future.”