Maurizio Sarri began the presser before the Inter game with a tirade against the schedule: “We play 7 matches in 20 days, and then the players go on international duties. They practice more there than with me. This is not football. It is a show where every participant tries to squeeze out the fans. I do not recognize myself in it.”
“After the loss to Bologna, I expect a reaction more as men than as players. We were superficial in that game, and the goals we allowed were embarrassing. Only the work can help us. This group tends to become careless when things start going in the right direction.”
“Stefano Radu has not played a lot because he struggled to regain shape after healing from COVID. He looked better recently and will be involved in the next few matches. Ciro Immobile has been practicing well in the last couple of days. He benefitted from resting.”
Sarri underplayed the importance of the game: “There are just three points on the line. It can not be seen as a watershed moment at this point of the season. This is a transitional year for us after a traumatic choice in the summer. We are laying the foundations. We aim to find some solidity now, and then we will try to play spectacular football.”
“The first game after the break is not easy because the players are coming off two weeks with different training methods. But it is better to face a big team than a minnow from the concentration standpoint.”
Sarri is worried about the Stadio Olimpico’s pitch: “A lot of people complained, not just me. It is not high-level and rather shoddy. Even the Italian FA considered moving the game with Switzerland. We received reassurances, and we hope it gets better soon.”