Conte: “Courage and character to continue our run”

NAPOLI - Inter enjoyed a superb start to 2020 on Monday evening, as they celebrated their first league win against Napoli at the San Paolo since 18 October 1997. 

Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez made the difference during the Nerazzurri’s 3-1 win, with Antonio Conte’s side moving back to the top thanks to a string of impressive results away from home: “This victory has real significance because getting all three points here is tricky for any side, especially if we consider that Napoli has competed against Juventus in recent years. We’ve now shortened the gap between us and them and this is key. We played today’s match with character and these types of performances give us confidence. We must keep playing like this, with courage. Today’s win is another step in terms of our development.” 

Inter now return joint-top thanks to their first three points of the New Year: “We can only think about ourselves and keep working in the same manner that we are now,” the Coach continued. “We must run against nobody but ourselves, looking to keep progressing to keep up this run. We’re achieving signs of stability and this is important.”

As for individuals, Conte concluded: “Bastoni? He’s our future but also our present. He’s 20-years-old and if he becomes increasingly ruthless in defence then he can have a great future. He plays the ball out just how I want him to, with personality, and he knows how to act upon the things that we’ve been working on in the week. Lukaku? I’ve heard it all about Romelu but we’re okay with it. It’s easy to discuss his stats today and jump on the bandwagon. He’s a raw talent, and like Lautaro, he can still improve massively. I’ve always followed him and I really wanted to sign him at Chelsea. Now I’ve got him and I’m really pleased to be working with him.”