Conte: “We couldn’t find the goal, we deserved more”

MILAN - Plenty of chances, two efforts against the woodwork and an unbeatable Terracciano kept Inter from bringing home all three points against Fiorentina on matchday 35 in Serie A.

“We put in a good performance, with the right level of intensity and some good football on the pitch,” said Antonio Conte at full-time. “We just couldn’t find the goal and we weren’t lucky in the slightest. I don’t have much to say to the lads, we even risked losing the game through our desire to win in the closing stages. Credit to Fiorentina who came here to play a good defensive game, but we certainly deserved more.

“When you drop points, it means that there are things to improve. We know that we need to grow if we want to fight for something big. I’m glad that the boys came off the pitch disappointed, because it means that they have the right hunger to win.

“But I think this team have reaped far less than we’ve sown this season. We’ve comfortably secured our goal for the year, but we still want to do well in our remaining matches, not for our position in the league but for our growth as a team. The lads know that they’ve got to be giving it their all in each and every match they play, because every match is a great test for us.

“Lautaro? I don't think the transfer rumours have distracted him at all. After all, we’re talking about a 22-year-old boy who’s still establishing himself and who has a long career ahead of him. Of course his form might fluctuate, but he’s a boy who always gives it his all and we’re happy with that. I don’t think it’s fair to be talking about him being distracted, it’s an insult to his intelligence. He’s a professional and we just have to help him develop in the right way.”

When asked about where Inter should be looking to improve for next season, Conte gave a firm response: “It’s too early to take stock, we’re still not done in the league and we’ve still got the Europa League ahead of us. Only once we’re over those hurdles will we come to any conclusions and start thinking about next season.”