Darmian: "Getting ready for another big season"

APPIANO GENTILE – Matteo Darmian says it's been a good start to pre-season under new boss Simone Inzaghi as Inter set about preparing to defend their Scudetto title.

“It was nice to relax a bit after such a busy campaign but it's time to get going again now,” the full-back told Inter TV. “It's been a good start to pre-season. We have everything we need to train well here. We'll do our best for the new coach and staff and try to tune into what they want from us. We have a big season ahead and we need to prepare for it as best we can.

“We showed last season how important the squad is. You could see that everyone was involved and felt important. We know how tough it was to win the Scudetto and now we want to defend it, but when you play for a big club like Inter you always set out to win silverware. We want to go as far as we can in every competition.

“As for me personally, I'll try to do what I always do, which is to help the team and strive to improve every day."

The former Manchester United player also offered his take on Sunday's European Championship final between Italy and England.

“I played in the last match between Italy and England and I hope the fact we won it is a good omen, although obviously it's a different game tomorrow and it's going to be very difficult.

“England have lots of top-quality players but Italy have a great team too, as they've shown since the first game. The whole country will be hoping they can win this important trophy tomorrow.”