UCL, Conte: “We won as a team. We want to play all our cards”

PRAGUE - It was mission accomplished for Inter who left the Eden Arena victorious courtesy of a Lautaro Martinez brace and Lukaku goal. Both played big parts in a lively and hard-fought match that was close until the very end. After the final whistle, Antonio Conte looked back on the game: “I’m happy, I have to congratulate the guys because they dealt with certain situations brilliantly,” he said. “At half time in the dressing room, we prepared to do our best in the second half and we created a lot, showing that we’re still alive and that we want to give all that we’ve got after not getting what we deserved in Barcelona and Dortmund. We knew what kind of game we had to play and having that in mind allowed us to deal well with every situation. Lautaro and Lukaku are improving, in the press conference I said that we would be more of a team compared to the first match and we knew what was waiting for us today. They were determined and I’m happy for them.” 

On Borja Valero: “After the Torino game, I praised him like with Dimarco because he’s shown great character despite not getting much playing time. He’s attached to the shirt and professional. When you’re serious in training, you can take the chances that come and he was ready for today and played a good game. He’s an example for the whole group.” 

On upcoming matches: “I hope that we have the right determination and conviction on Sunday against Spal. Before Barcelona, we have this game and the Roma match and we have to be prepared. With today’s win, we’ve ensured that the Barcelona game means something and it will be a tough game but we can count on the fans who always support us.”