Simone Inzaghi confirms Alessandro Bastoni is in doubt for the derby, Inter are still not over their Serie A loss to rivals Milan and the coach is satisfied with their transfer strategy. ‘The team is competitive.’
The Derby della Madonnina kicks off on Saturday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
These teams tussled for the Scudetto to the final round last season, but have stuttered a little to start this term.
“We won the most recent derby 3-0 in the Coppa Italia, we know what happened in the second game of the Serie A season…”
In his press conference, Inzaghi was referring to the match Inter were winning 1-0 until conceding two late goals for a 2-1 defeat.
The coach was asked if Milan’s Scudetto celebration through the streets had fired up the Nerazzurri for this challenge.
“Everyone does what they feel is right with their celebrations. I personally prefer to remember our nights with two trophies and the embrace of our fans on May 22. They applauded us for the campaign.
“These are still the two top teams from last season with their own identities and ideas of football. Our four meetings were very balanced overall, so incidents and individual duels will make the difference.
“My team is in good shape, we know what the derby represents and are mentally and physically ready. We need determination and belief.”
Romelu Lukaku returned on loan from Chelsea, but is injured for tomorrow’s match, while Francesco Acerbi was a late addition to the squad from Lazio.
Above all, Inter directors managed to resist the pressure from PSG over Milan Skriniar.
“The club worked well, holding on to important players, knowing there were some clear financial limits to respect. I am very satisfied, after two transfer sessions making a profit, the team is competitive and we’ll prove it again this season.
“Only time will tell if this is the best Inter side I’ve worked with. Acerbi is a player with a great deal of experience who already worked with me, he is an international and will be a big help, much like Andrea Ranocchia was last season.”
The transfer deadline day was also overshadowed by reports Robin Gosens was heading towards Bayer Leverkusen, having barely played since his January move from Atalanta.
“I didn’t know anything about this interest, the player is 100 per cent part of Inter. After six months out injured, he is working with hunger and determination, but at this moment I prefer him coming off the bench. There are many matches, everyone will get their playing time.”
Alessandro Bastoni is a doubt for the derby, as he was suffering from flu symptoms over the last few days that already ruled him out of the win over Cremonese.
“With Lukaku out, I need to choose Lautaro Martinez’s partner, while the wings also need to be picked.”
The worry with Skriniar is that they’ll either lose him for nothing or have to panic sell, because there’s no way they can afford to pay him what he’s worth.