D'Ambrosio: "Difficult game, but we don't want any regrets"

APPIANO GENTILE - Inter take on Shakhtar on the final matchday in the Champions League group stage. The Nerazzurri are on the hunt for a victory in order to progress to the Round of 16. On the eve of this crucial clash, Danilo D’Ambrosio joined head coach Antonio Conte for the customary pre-match press conference.

Is there perhaps some regret for the way the group has gone? “Our main regret is, unfortunately, that qualification is in our own hands tomorrow. In order to not have more, we need all three points. We’re expecting a really tough match and will need to keep our concentration levels up because Shakhtar have the quality to cause us problems. We’ll need to perform at 110% to be in with a chance.”

Last year, you played more as a wide midfielder, this year more as a defender. What’s changed? “Last year I played more as a wingback than one of the back three. The boss offers us a lot of variations to be ready to cover many positions on the pitch. So my position isn’t the important thing, but the collective is, as well as reaching our goals.”

Is this the strongest team we’ve had since you’ve been at Inter?  “I’ve been here many years but it’s not right to compare. In regards to the past, our way of playing and our approach to this shirt has certainly changed. I’m sure that we’ll continue to group because we have a winning mentality.”