Inter and Antonio Conte return to Serie A action after their defeat of Milan in the Derby Della Madonnina. A successful start in the league for the ex-Chelsea coach, the nerazzurri will look to continue to hang on to their top spot, facing a difficult test in Lazio. Ahead of the match, Conte spoke to the media to discuss the upcoming affair:
"We are working towards enlarging the group of possible starters. It will be crucial, becuase when you go through a tough league like this one you must work hard in every match. There is a lot of wasted energy, and the Champions League which saps energy. But I will only expand the group when the players make assurances, when the risk is appropriate.
When Sanchez is ready and I know that he can give what I ask he will be inserted. The same with Lazaro, Biraghi, and Bastoni. I must take heart of Inter's best interests and not accomodate anyone. Godin played in the match against Udinese and rested in the Champions League. De Vrij was a little fatigued, but with his pisition he can play a lot of matches. The lads are fit and are healthy.
We must concentrate on each and every match. We will focus ourselves on doing well against Lazio. It will be a difficult match against a strong team. They have a clear identity and last year they won the Coppa Italia. Lazio is doing a great job, and it is an important match and a test for us. If we go out there still thinking about the derby that means that we have learned nothing about what we must do. We need to reset as quicky as possible knowing that Lazio awaits us. We need to give a big response, we're only at the fifth match. There is still a long road ahead, and time will tell if we have been good or not.
Barella? Nicolò has precise traits and a lot of margin for growth. He is generous like I was, he shoots energy from every pore, we must succeed at channeling that energy in the right places. His dream was to play at Inter and there are all the things in place that Barella could play here for 10 years."
