Inter coach Antonio Conte said Benevento coach Filippo Inzaghi is a ‘football addict’ like himself and prepares for a ‘tough match’ against the Streghe.
After having secured their first three points last weekend, Inter prepare to recover the postponed match from Serie A Week 1 against the newly promoted side and Conte was impressed by Benevento's comeback win against Sampdoria.
Inter coach Antonio Conte said Benevento coach Filippo Inzaghi is a ‘football addict’ like himself and prepares for a ‘tough match’ against the Streghe.
After having secured their first three points last weekend, Inter prepare to recover the postponed match from Serie A Week 1 against the newly promoted side and Conte was impressed by Benevento's comeback win against Sampdoria.
“I expect a tough match from all aspects,” Conte said at a press conference. “Last year, they played a great championship and won well in advance.
“They have a coach who was my teammate for many years, and he is doing well. We have shared many big moments and he’s a football addict like me.
“He studies and is prepared. I’m happy for Pippo, his team have shown character. They won a well-deserved match. We need to be concentrated.”
Conte feels the return of Radja Nainggolan, and the arrival of Arturo Vidal help protect the midfield, where Inter suffered long-term injuries to key members last season.
“Compared to last season, some players have left and others have arrived or returned from loans,” Conte said. “Numerically in the middle of the field, considering the many injuries of last season, we are more protected.
“Above all, I think of [Stefano] Sensi, as well as [Nicolo] Barella and [Roberto] Gagliardini.
“I think it was an important aspect going into an anomalous season that we are preparing to face. Now, I have them all available and I hope they will be over time too.”
The Nerazzurri coach can’t wait until the transfer market closes and believes the managers at Inter will do ‘their job in the best way’.
“The managers should respond to the questions about the market. All the coaches can’t wait for the market to close.
“It’s inevitable that as long as it remains open, true or false, the news can undermine the serenity of the players, who need stability.
“The managers will do their job in the best way.”
Inter started the season with a 4-3 win against Fiorentina and Conte was pleased with the attacking play but insists the team must improve.
“I liked the match a lot and I also told the lads,” he added. “In attack we played good football and defensively we were aggressive.
“In some circumstances we didn’t have the right balance, then the more we create alternatives up front, the less predictable we will be.
“Absence has nothing to do with it, I had fun on Saturday. Inevitably, we must improve, but also abroad, teams like Manchester City and Bayern score a lot of goals because they offer attacking football.
“You risk. We continue to offer our football, which is fun, but still be more careful at the back.”