The build - up to Inter vs. Sampdoria, Conte: “No nerves, we’re focused on ourselves alone”

MILAN - Inter have just one day left until tomorrow night’s clash with Sampdoria, with kick-off for Serie A matchday 25 scheduled for 20:45 CET at San Siro. Ahead of the game, Nerazzurri Coach Antonio Conte met with journalists at the Suning Training Centre to discuss his pre-match thoughts: “Despite Sampdoria losing their last game by a wide margin, Sunday will be a difficult match. They have a very experienced coach in Claudio Ranieri, and they’re a lively and healthy team. They’ve got quality players in their squad, experienced players like Quagliarella, who surprise year in year out with their performances and depth. We have to try and get the three points, that’s for sure.”

The Nerazzurri only got back from Bulgari on Friday: “We played on Thursday, so in practice we only have one full day to prepare for the game. It’s normal to think about changing your strategy, in the way we press and prepare for situations. We’re used to playing at a high intensity for the full ninety minutes, sometimes it just depends on the opponent’s attitude.”

On approaching the heart of season: “We just need to focus on ourselves, on improving and taking things game by game. Juventus, Lazio and Inter aren’t the only teams in this league to worry about. Let’s not forget about Atalanta, who are doing great things right now. We’re on our own path, made up of obstacles and pitfalls, just like life itself. What’s important is that we always have the strength to look forward, that we’re aware of the fact that we’re building something special here. Let’s not let nerves get to us, that applies to both the team and the atmosphere.”

We saw a change of formation in the second half against Ludogorets: “Things have to be tested and tested again, we need balance. Choosing a new system also depends on the guarantees that a change can bring with it. Maybe we can try it out in certain matches, we’ll see if we have the time necessary to try out new situations.”

Moving on to individuals, Conte spoke about Martinez, Brozovic and Bastoni: “Lautaro is a serious guy, he’s focused and he’s in great form. Let’s remember that he’s only 22 and compared to last year he’s improved massively. His potential is huge. Brozovic and Bastoni? They trained with us yesterday, we’ll need to decide after today’s session.”

Finally, a word on the Coronavirus emergency: “Just like every situation, we need to try and remain balanced and avoid any state of panic. At the same time, we shouldn’t underestimate things. Italy is managing it all, we’ll follow any instructions that are given.”