Antonio Conte has no intention of curbing Inter’s gung-ho approach against Lazio. ‘If I had to choose between 0-0 and a 5-4 win, I’d take the latter option.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We are in good shape, as it’s our third game in quick succession and the same is true of Lazio,” said the coach in his press conference.
Antonio Conte has no intention of curbing Inter’s gung-ho approach against Lazio. ‘If I had to choose between 0-0 and a 5-4 win, I’d take the latter option.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We are in good shape, as it’s our third game in quick succession and the same is true of Lazio,” said the coach in his press conference.
“Last season we lost four games, one of which was against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, so we know this is a tough fixture. We’d like to emerge with a better result than last time.
“It’s a very different match to Benevento, where he had to sink our teeth in straight away. Lazio are an excellent side who had the ambition to challenge Juventus for the Scudetto last term, so we have to be wary of them. At the same time, we can’t lose our identity.
“We are all curious to see the response we get in a game like this, but as I said before, it’s part of our journey. Big clubs need to have their own identity that is maintained regardless of the opponent, because we respect them, but show no fear.
“Since I arrived at Inter, I have tried to use that mentality, and even if there are occasional setbacks, it’s right to continue like this.”
The Nerazzurri have certainly not been dull so far this season, beating Fiorentina 4-3 and Benevento 5-2.
“It’s important to be balanced and try to avoid counter-attacks, but if I had to choose between a 0-0 draw and a 5-4 win, I’d take the latter option,” smiled Conte.
“In Italy, there is much more focus on the final result rather than how it was achieved, so a coach must not let that affect them. We should enjoy the match and if we are able to win, that’s the icing on the cake, but beautiful football is every bit as much of a target as the result.”
Arturo Vidal has recovered, but Radja Nainggolan is not in the squad, as he is on the verge of a transfer to Cagliari.