Following Monday night’s outstanding 3-0 victory over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, Inter are heading into tomorrow afternoon’s match at home to Genoa brimming with confidence. Indeed, it is difficult to argue against anyone who says it was the players’ most impressive performance yet throughout their current six-match winning streak. It was an absolute joy to watch the Nerazzurri pass the ball around with such purpose, particularly throughout their sublime first half display. Many supporters will see that as the new benchmark going forward – and rightly so.
During his traditional pre-match interview with Inter TV, coach Luciano Spalletti was at pains to point out that his side must never rest on their laurels and continue to give everything for the cause: “We come into this match from two important victories. We are certainly in good condition at the moment. The performances must always be good because our opponents are a tough side. It will be a difficult game. They are a good team and they showed it against AC Milan. The Rossoneri won deservedly but Genoa would have expected something more.”
The 59-year-old tactician was then asked about the direction in which he sees his team heading for the remainder of the campaign. This is how he replied: “It takes the participation of all the people working at the training ground and the availability of the players. If we need a player who has never played, for example João Mário, and he shows you good things. It confirms that he is a professional. We have to become a very strong team and also a very beautiful one to watch on the field, so that we can be deserving of all the love that we will be shown. We will really feel the love of the Inter fans and we do not want to be anti-this or anti-that.”
Furthermore, Spalletti was able to provide the Beneamata supporters with more positive news by confirming that Radja Nainggolan is back in training and could feature as a second half substitute tomorrow afternoon. That said, he will not be risked unless absolutely necessary so that he is fighting fit ahead of Barcelona’s visit to San Siro on Tuesday. Meanwhile, there is a good chance that captain Mauro Icardi will be rested, with compatriot Lautaro Martínez set to start in attack just as he did against Cagliari at the end of September.
The likes of Stefan de Vrij, Dalbert, Roberto Gagliardini and Keita Baldé may also be brought into the starting line-up for what is yet another pivotal match as Inter look to stay in touch with leaders Juventus at the top of the league table. While Spalletti’s side remains a work in progress, the pressure is on them to back up their hugely impressive display earlier in the week with another one, showcasing both defensive solidity and attacking intent. They are odds on to do exactly that and set themselves up perfectly for Tuesday’s blockbuster European clash against the Blaugrana.
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