Simone Inzaghi admits Inter ‘should’ve done better’ in Serie A this season, but hopes they can beat Atalanta tomorrow for the first head-to-head success. ‘We always play to win.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.
This is a head-to-head for position, as both Lombardy rivals are locked together in joint fifth place on 27 points.
“The difference will be made by the kind of motivation and attitude the two teams bring to the field,” Inzaghi told Inter TV rather than holding a press conference.
Not only is it the final game of 2022 before the break for the World Cup in Qatar, but also Inter’s chance to end their run of failing to win a single top of the table tussle so far, most recently losing to Juventus.
“It is something we’ve been missing this season, we probably need to work more on the details, whereas in the Champions League we were able to step up against Barcelona. Hopefully tomorrow we can do it in Serie A too.
“The team will step onto the field trying to win every game, against any opponent. We analysed the Juventus match, then did very well against Bologna, but we must keep focusing on the future.”
Atalanta are coming off back-to-back defeats, including a surprise 2-1 trip to Lecce in the midweek round where they rotated the squad.
“Regardless of their results, this is an organised team with specific football principles and we know that they will be very determined. We need to give our best.”
Inter are a real all or nothing team, failing to play a single Serie A stalemate this season.
“We always play to win, so probably there are some games that are tipped one way or the other by a single incident. Our only draw was in Barcelona, 3-3, when we deserved more. Our Champions League campaign has been exceptional, while in Serie A we know full well that we should’ve and can do better.”
Romelu Lukaku was named in Belgium’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite barely featuring for Inter this season due to muscular injuries.
“I am pleased that three of our four strikers are going to the World Cup and we have great faith in everyone. Romelu really tried everything to get back to fitness for the final games with us, but unfortunately had a setback and he needs to take it gradually. I hope he can have a wonderful World Cup and then return to us fired up.”