Inter salvaging a point in Naples on Sunday night can be considered a good outcome for the Nerazzurri as it puts them one week closer to the Italian title. Inter lost two points to second-placed Milan this weekend, but their are still eight points clear with seven games to go.
Antonio Conte knows that and had sweet words for his players when talking to press after the 1-1 draw at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
“I am happy about these boys, they have grown so much under many aspects,” were his first remarks of the night. “Tonight we saw a team who knows what they want and never get lost, even when they are a bit unlucky like in the occasion of the goal,” added Conte.
He also had some words of praises for the opponents, as he remarked that “Before the season start, I considered Napoli among the title favorites, but they have been unlucky along the way. I am happy about our performance tonight. It was not easy to come to play at their home because they are still fighting for a Champions League spot.” More praises, however, went to his players: “My boys are always focused, they never give in. We lost two points to Milan tonight, but we can be happy with this draw.”
One player, in particular, could not but end up in the conversation about individual performances: Christian Eriksen has struggled a lot since coming to Inter in January 2020, but seems to have found his form recently. Tonight, he scored his first Serie A goal of the season to help the Nerazzurri grab at least one point. Here is what Conte had to say about Eriksen:
“He needed some time, also to understand that there are two phases in football: The defensive one and the offensive one. We tried everything to help him adapt. Now he is doing very well but I am convinced he can do even more.”
In general, Conte highlighted that he is happy about how the whole roster has grown during the season: “Inter’s victories are a consequence of their players’ individual growth, even when it comes to character. In this season, everybody is responding and stepping up his game to win something important.”
Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella was less visible than usual on Sunday night but didn’t refrain from sending a clear message – also mentioning the taboo word Scudetto – in his post-match remarks:
“It is not a secret anymore that our goal is to win the Scudetto. There are still many game lefts and we must hold this point tight because it’s another step towards our goal. We have found the right formula and we know that Lukaku, Sanchez, and Martinez can solve the game anytime. We are very close to each other as a team and we are working well together.“