Inzaghi: "A clash between two top sides: we will need to pay attention to the small details"

On Saturday 1 March at 18:00 CET, Inter take on Napoli on Serie A matchday 27. Simone Inzaghi answered the questions of journalists at the BPER Training Centre at Appiano Gentile, on the eve of the match: How would you rate Inter and Napoli's campaigns so far? "We're talking about the top two teams in the league, it's worth giving kudos to both Inter and Napoli. Tomorrow's match will be very important, but not decisive because there are 12 matches to go and 36 points still up for grabs, but we know the importance of this clash: we will need to be at our best against a top opponent".

Could the match against Napoli be a decisive turning point towards the end of the league campaign?

"We will need to come out from a difficult game in the best way possible: we know what lies ahead of us, we're not doing as well in the direct clashes as we did in the past, you have to be perfect to bring the points home".

Does tomorrow bring the opportunity to do something special?

"That is the hope. The lads have worked well. We used up a lot of energy in the Coppa Italia match against Lazio, and in the past two days we have worked well on what we need to improve on, knowing that we did well in the last match against Juventus but it wasn't enough. Therefore, we know that we have to do something more".

Will Thuram start? Will the injuries out wide force a tactical change?

"We will be without Sommer, Carlos Augusto, Darmian and Zalewski, and the latter three are players who all play in the same role, therefore, there could be a change in the system. We also did this during Coppa Italia, we will see what we will do. I saw Thuram partially on Wednesday, he worked well yesterday and today and has given positive signs, we will see tomorrow if he will start or feature during the game".

Do Inter have the upper hand after advancing to the Coppa Italia semi-final?

"I am proud of this group, because they are always passionate and want to reach the latter stages of any competition. We are one of the few teams in Europe to still be in three competitions. The matches require energy, as does travelling around, but we will take it game by game. The worrying thing is that our injuries are affecting one position on the pitch: we will have to adapt ourselves as we have done until now".

Is this the match where Inter's tactical approach could change?

"You can think about a game, but shouldn't over-plan it. Each person has their own ideas, we're facing a very strong side, with great players and a brilliant coach and we will put in a determined and aggressive performance. We will need to be aware of the small details that tend to make the difference in these matches."

Do you see a different atmosphere within Inter, one of greater pressure?

"When Inter is involved, there's always a bit more talk, and that's what made me angry. I felt as if I had to defend my players and the club, who are both extraordinary. The last thing is about Lautaro, we know him well and he is a person with strong values. Sometimes people say things, but I have not heard that from him in three and a half years. We carry on forward, he has been focused and has worked well: I know that he is someone who hears and sees everything".

Napoli and Inter have different strategies when it comes to communication. What are the advantages and disadvantages of openly stating your objectives?

"I can only speak for myself, we are Inter and the objectives are well-known. I said it on 13 July, that we would have to play as many games as possible, it's a source of pride. We treat each game as it comes with great ambition, trying to win trophies just like in recent years, we will always try to give our all, knowing that our journey began a long time ago. Comparing where we were three and a half years ago with today, the tally has also improved and is a very positive thing, I am happy for the club and directors who are always by our side, 24/7."

In the last two league games against Fiorentina and Genoa you were very fired-up: did the team feel this?

"I've been like this for 440 matches, lately they've been making reports with the cameras focused on me but the lads know that I dedicate myself to the upcoming matches and preparing for them, themselves and my staff are brilliant and always try to give their all".

Can Juventus rejoin the race for the scudetto? "I said at the end of January that the league was short, with a short string of wins, Juventus and Lazio could definitely get themselves into contention. The recent results have reduced the gap even more".

After the Champions League, there's always been some difficulty in the direct clashes, you will play Napoli before, what will change?

"The draw has meant that the direct clashes have always been after the Champions League, it's just by chance. Now, we've been thinking about how to prepare for this important match with a free week, it hasn't been like that but we will face it without problems. I tried Correa and Frattesi as fifth-options because we have certain needs. As I said, Pavard and Bisseck can also play in that role, I can change the system, we will see, in recent years I have not had so many players ruled out in that role".

How do you think Napoli have changed?

"They've changed their shape, they're a side made up of brilliant players who are well-drilled and know what they need to do. We are ready, we have studied them. We must give kudos to Napoli for their campaign, tomorrow's game will be between two brilliant teams who deserve to be where they are".

What sort of signs is Martinez showing?

"He's having a brilliant season, we never had any doubt about him. He has worked very well in the past few months. Sommer is ahead of him, someone who is also having a great year. He came to Inter with a lot of desire and he shows why he is an Inter goalkeeper everyday."