Inzaghi: "We really want to bounce back"

APPIANO GENTILE - At 18:00 CET on Saturday 28 January, Inter will face Cremonese at the Stadio Giovanni Zini on matchday 20 in Serie A. This is what Simone Inzaghi had to say on the eve of the game:

Tomorrow, you'll play for the second time within the space of a few days: you immediately have the chance to bounce back after the game against Empoli. "Yes, absolutely. Luckily, we're straight back in action. I'm convinced that my team really want to bounce back after the match against Empoli."

In Serie A, no side has scored as many goals as Inter in the opening 15 minutes of play. It's a sign that, despite some difficulties, the team always take to the pitch with the right attitude. "It's a clear characteristic of our team and an important one, too: the approach you make to matches is crucial. It's something that we manage to do often and a characteristic that must remain."

Apart from Napoli, who are doing exceptionally well, all the other sides at the upper end of the table are in and around each other. What is needed during the second half of the season? "More consistency is required. Right now, Napoli are way out in front, and then there are five teams with very few points separating them. We need to try and be more consistent as we take things game by game: playing so often will make it necessary to focus on individual matches."

Since their change at the helm, Cremonese have produced a couple of good performances. How do you take on such a combative and confident side? "They’ve played well throughout the season, for example against AC Milan, Napoli and against Juventus at home. They have a new head coach now; I had him as a coach as well and he’s always well prepared. He always gives his teams a distinct identity. They progressed in the Coppa Italia away at the Maradona and played brilliantly away at Bologna, too; they’re in good form."

After the Cremonese game, there will be two big games, first against Atalanta in the cup and then the derby. How important will squad management be ahead of a very busy February? “We know that the fixture list is packed. We need to just take it one game at a time. Of course, our aim is tomorrow’s game in Cremona, though we know that there will be more games soon. The hope is to get back all of the players who are unavailable right now. We’re slowly bringing them back so that we have more options available for every game.”