Inter captain Samir Handanovic stresses that teams that play many games in a season tend to have approach issues and believes details will make the difference against Juventus tomorrow.
The Nerazzurri and Juventus meet in the Coppa Italia Final at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow.
“We are proud to be here, the games against Juventus were always hard-fought this season. Details will make the difference tomorrow,” the goalkeeper said at a press conference attended by Football Italia.
“We must be better than them. One thing it’s not enough, we need to be better in everything. Juventus did a bit better than us in Turin, we were better at home and in the Supercup, I expect a balanced game tomorrow.”
This term, the Nerazzurri are unbeaten against Juventus, having won the Supercoppa clash in January and the last meeting in Turin barely a month ago.
“I want to see what the team has always done. If we train well, we play well. That’s what happened this season and how I see football,” the goalkeeper continued.
“I expect to see what we did this week on the pitch.”
Will it be more challenging to beat Juventus or win the Scudetto?
“Good question, but I don’t know. Surely we’ll focus on tomorrow’s game, then we’ll see what happens.”
How does he explain Inter’s approach issues in some games?
“Sometimes it happens to all teams. You get the wrong approach when you play many games. It may happen to feel emotionally empty. It’s not something you decide, it’s a natural thing. Teams that play once a week don’t have this problem.”
What has changed through the years and how have Inter become trophy contenders again?
“A lot of things have changed through the years,” said Handanovic.
“We’ve faced some tough seasons, but with the work and the help of everyone who loves Inter, we managed to compete for trophies again, we are where we are supposed to be.”
What’s the best quality of Juventus and is there any player he’d keep out of their team?
“No, I wouldn’t because I think the best players must play finals,” he admitted.
“Their best quality is in transition, with a few players that don’t have defensive duties and wait for counter-attacks.”
Inter are still in the race for a domestic treble after winning the Supercoppa Italiana in January. They will play the Coppa Italia Final tomorrow and are just two points off Serie A leaders Milan, but with only two games remaining. Handanovic sees his contract expire at the end of the season, but he is expected to sign a new deal for one or two more campaigns.
Two more campaigns? Sitting on the bench perhaps. I thank Handa for everything but his time has past. These next 3 games are the only 3 he is guaranteed to start for Inter, no matter how long he resigns for.
Where’s Mario?