Matteo Darmian underlined how Inter have worked ‘to learn from the mistakes made last year’ ahead of their decisive Champions League tie with Real Sociedad.
The Nerazzurri have looked almost flawless in Serie A this campaign, dropping points just three times across their 15 league outings. They’ve looked equally strong in the Champions League, although their slow start means the fight for a first-place finish in Group D is still in full swing.
Inter and Real Sociedad both have 11 points after five games and Simone Inzaghi’s side need a win to secure a first-place finish, having a slightly worse goal difference than their Spanish opponents.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Darmian first discussed what’s changed for Inter since last season.
“Not much has changed, we always try to work at our best and take to the field with the right determination to bring home the victory.
“Last year, especially in the league, we didn’t find consistency in results, and we are trying to avoid that mistake.”
He was asked if tomorrow’s opponents Real Sociedad posed a different threat than other teams.
“We already knew before the start of the group how difficult it would be to face Real Sociedad, they are a strong team, with great organisation, pace and quality.
“They demonstrated this in the first leg and beyond, I think we’ve deserved qualification, as have they, but we will try to win.”
The full back was asked if something had changed in the locker room since the Champions League final loss to Manchester City.
“As I said before, we definitely tried to learn from the mistakes we made last year. We started from day one this year to work in the best possible way.
“I think we are a great group, and we are showing it in this first part season, but it’s still long and we have to continue like this.”
Darmian touched on the importance of securing victory against Real Sociedad.
“Tomorrow we will take to the pitch as we have always done at the start of the season, trying to win. We know it won’t be easy, because the opponent has great quality, but we will try to bring home the victory with the right attitude.”
The 34-year-old was asked if this was the best period of his career.
“I don’t know, there isn’t a secret. I’m pleased to have everyone’s trust, and this is something that pushes me to give more and more day after day, trying to improve. Then when the coach lets me play, I try to do my best and help the team achieve its goals.”
He was also asked if the Italian core in the Inter squad helped their growth.
“I think that the group is always the basis of the results, regardless of the number of Italians, I believe that the group is healthy, it’s valid. We are good together and we transmit that on the pitch, we’ll continue like this.”
Finally, Darmian discussed the work of new signing Yann Aurel Bisseck.
“Yann is a player who has great qualities, he is young and has great room for improvement. From day one we tried to make him feel at home, he came from a different experience and culture.
“He immediately made himself available and desire to improve. These players and these guys are welcome, I think they have already demonstrated it in this first part of the season.”