Antonio Candreva told Inter to “forget the Coppa Italia” exit to Lazio and focus on this weekend’s Derby d’Italia with Juventus.
The Nerazzurri had won nine competitive games in a row before last night’s 2-1 home defeat to Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.
Antonio Candreva told Inter to “forget the Coppa Italia” exit to Lazio and focus on this weekend’s Derby d’Italia with Juventus.
The Nerazzurri had won nine competitive games in a row before last night’s 2-1 home defeat to Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.
“It was a loss we really could’ve done without, because we cared about the Coppa Italia and wanted to carry on. Now we’ve got to forget is as quickly as possible and focus on the next very important game,” he told Mediaset Premium.
“The Derby d’Italia is certainly a passionate game, a crucial one and everyone will want to watch. At San Siro earlier this season the stadium was packed, there was a wonderful atmosphere and we were able to beat the strongest team in the league.
“It’ll be tough, we must play to more than 100 per cent of our capabilities, but we’re in a good moment of form and are going to Turin in order to take the game to them.
“We are chasing the sides ahead of us in the table and must continue this momentum to achieve our objective, which is to qualify for the Champions League. There’s a long road ahead of us, starting from Juve.”
The 29-year-old had a brief spell at Juventus in 2010.
“It was so long ago, I don’t really feel like I’m facing my former team. I was young and wore the Juventus jersey for just a few months, though it was a wonderful experience that helped me grow as a player and as a man.”
How did Candreva feel at being the first big signing of the Suning Group era at Inter?
“I’ve always said I am proud to be here and proud to have been chosen by Suning as their first objective. We are building a fine group, but still need to improve.”
Would Candreva advise Italy teammate Marco Verratti to come to Inter after Paris Saint-Germain?
“Absolutely. Marco is a player of another level, a real champion with so much international experience already. Everyone knows what he can do.”