Antonio Conte sees similarities with Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso and Inter getting a result at the San Paolo “would give us even more self-belief.”
It kicks off on Monday at 19.45 GMT, click here for the match preview.
Antonio Conte sees similarities with Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso and Inter getting a result at the San Paolo “would give us even more self-belief.”
It kicks off on Monday at 19.45 GMT, click here for the match preview.
“This is going to be a difficult game, as you all know what I think of Napoli and their qualities. Now that Gennaro Gattuso is on the bench, we can expect even more determination and spirit, the kind only he can pass on to his team,” said Conte in a press conference.
“Picking up points at the Stadio San Paolo would give us even more self-belief and confidence going forward. Let’s not forget, this is only the start of a journey and there’s a long road ahead of us, so we are working not just for the present, but the future.
“Despite the difficulties, few expected to see Inter top of the table level on points with Juventus at almost the midway stage. We believe in what we’re doing and will put in the utmost effort to keep this going so we can satisfy our fans, which is the main objective.
“This team has gained credibility and must continue to build on that, one brick at a time.”
Like Conte, Gattuso was a rugged midfielder who has become known primarily for his grit and determination as a coach too.
“I do see in him the same passion I have for football. Like me, Rino worked his way up in the lower leagues first. I have great respect for him, because he also worked abroad and in Serie C, which not everyone is willing to do.
“I think his achievements at Milan were underestimated, so I wish him all the best at Napoli.”
Inevitably, Conte was asked about the interest in Arturo Vidal of Barcelona and Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen for the January window.
“I do not talk about the transfer market or other players, out of respect for the current squad. There are no short-cuts to success, we have brought in players who can compete at the top level, but you can’t transform a team from one day to the next.
“Each of us understood that we need to raise the bar individually, so we grow together as a team too, but it does take time.”