Inter coach Antonio Conte discussed Inter’s important 2-0 win over Udinese in the Serie A in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia, immediately after the final whistle

First, the 50-year-old Italian discussed the performance of Danish international midfielder Christian Eriksen during his Serie A debut.

“I think for a guy who’s five days in and making his debut in Serie A, considering Sensi, Gagliardini and Borja Valero are away, his entry was positive.

“He has yet to get into the way we think, but you can see personality. He has to find the right rhythm to play these games, but I’m happy with his performance.

Conte then touched on what he asked of the 27-year-old Dane in his first two games with Inter.

“He had work hard in both games. By improving his intensity, he will do better in the two stages of play, he will be able to understand what we ask of our midfielders in terms of positioning.

“But I’m satisfied, it wasn’t an easy game because Udinese are a physical team that created problems for us in the first meeting as well. I’m happy with his performance.”

The former Juventus and Chelsea coach spoke about the win over Udinese and what it means to the team.

“Udinese are a good team, they were very careful and tried to play on the counter. They were all there in their half of the pitch, it’s not the first time it’s happened to us as so many other teams play like this against us.

“That’s why putting more quality into the squad that allows us to find more solutions. The win was deserved, it wasn’t easy but I’m happy for the last ten minutes where we only thought about defending. The best defence is to attack, you have to press hard and always be dangerous.”

Conte discussed Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku and his leadership qualities on the pitch.

“He has important qualities. Today wasn’t his best game, he can and must do much better beyond the two goals scored that are important for a striker.

“But for us he’s crucial, he’s integrated with everyone very well. I have only good things to say about him, I’m happy to have insisted that he came.”

He wasn’t worried that Inter captain Samir Handanovic could miss next week’s Milanese derby through injury.

“He had a problem, you have to ask the doctor. There’s seven days left, surely the medical staff will try to make sure he recovers.

“I’m happy with Padelli. He’s given the team security by being there when they need him. But I hold this group of players in high regard, I know they all respond.”

The 50-year-old Italian coach highlighted how the Nerazzurri had shown they were capable of keeping up with Juventus.

“A team like this needs important options even on the bench, today we started with a 20-year-old and a 17-year-old boy. We’re working for the present and the future.

“Those who came on had a good impact, I was a bit worried about Brozovic coming on off of a pretty serious sprain. Alexis Sanchez is trying to find his best condition, I hope it comes soon.

“When I make certain choices, I make them calmly, they are technical choices for the game and during the game. The changes have been important.”

Finally, Conte touched on Uruguayan midfielder Matias Vecino and how he didn’t leave the club last month.

“In the last days, I’ve heard the names of strikers who refused us. We’re Inter, then on the last day you hear everything. Matias has my respect, he’s always played well for me.

Inter are now three points behind rivals and league leaders Juventus, who won their game against Fiorentina earlier today 3-0. The Nerazzurri are also only two points ahead of Lazio.

The post Inter Coach Antonio Conte: “Happy With Christian Eriksen’s Performance, Happy I Insisted On Signing Lukaku” appeared first on Sempreinter.

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