Conte pleased with his team's performance: "It wasn't an easy game"

UDINE - Inter were back to winning ways on matchday 22 in Serie A, beating Udinese 2-0 thanks to a brace from Romelu Lukaku: “It wasn’t an easy match, Udinese also created problems for us during the first meeting this season because they’re a physical side with lots of running,” said Antonio Conte after the game. “We tried to make a match of it but they were extremely focused and ready to threaten us on the counter. It isn’t easy to face similar situations every Sunday but, precisely for that reason, the fact that we have more quality in the squad allows us to switch things up. The changes helped us but we can’t forget that we started with a number of youngsters, therefore, we’re not working on just the present but also the future. It wasn’t an easy win. I’m pleased with the performance apart from the last 10 minutes when we dropped back a bit too much. It was a deserved win considering the chances that we had.”

As for individuals, Conte continued: “Lukaku? He has really important qualities, however, aside from his brace, today wasn’t his best match. Romelu is a decisive player for us. He’s integrated really well and I can only speak highly of him. I’m very happy to have insisted on signing him. Eriksen? He only arrived five days ago, but he’s been thrust in straight away due to our absentees. He must still grasp our ideas out on the pitch and rediscover his rhythm, however, you can see his character and I’m happy with his performance. Handanovic? He had an issue with his hand. There are seven days to go until the Derby and the medical staff will try to get him back. However, I’m really pleased with how Padelli did, he gave his teammates peace of mind and he was ready when called upon. Vecino? You hear all sorts of rumours during the transfer market. I have full faith in Matias. He’s always been in my plans.”

Lastly, Conte discussed the upcoming #DerbyMilano that awaits next weekend: “We must prepare for the match in the same manner as always, with hard work and by focusing on our technique, tactics and fitness. We know how much it matters to the fans, while it’s also important for us, beyond just getting all three points.”