Luciano Spalletti confessed Inter’s 4-1 defeat to Napoli was painful and against Empoli “it really is a Final. It’s do or die and we can’t get that wrong.”
The Nerazzurri have dropped down to third place, due to their inferior head-to-head record with Atalanta, and are just one point clear of Milan.
“We started the game well, then made those technical errors in building play from the back, which is where we conceded.
Luciano Spalletti confessed Inter’s 4-1 defeat to Napoli was painful and against Empoli “it really is a Final. It’s do or die and we can’t get that wrong.”
The Nerazzurri have dropped down to third place, due to their inferior head-to-head record with Atalanta, and are just one point clear of Milan.
“We started the game well, then made those technical errors in building play from the back, which is where we conceded.
“From that moment on, we didn’t pass it well, we couldn’t find the right channels and they were pressing us. We did worse than in other games.
“It can happen to lose against Napoli, not like this, but the next match really is a Final. We can’t get that wrong,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We’ve had some good performances in the last few weeks. The results weren’t always what we deserved. Tonight, I tried to do something different with two strikers, but they have very similar characteristics and there’s not much we can do about that.
“Napoli passed it around and made us run harder because we were missing that element of balance and that created spaces for them to cause damage.
“I’ve already been in these situations. We have to maintain clear heads, evaluate things correctly. The team put in a bad performance this evening, they were disappointed, as they knew it wasn’t a good game. We still have our fate in our own hands and we still need to win the final match."
This is no mean feat, because Empoli need a victory to be sure of avoiding relegation and today thrashed Torino 4-1.
“Empoli will come to play their game, Milan need to win at SPAL, which is by no means to be taken for granted either.”
Last season, Inter were chasing and had to beat Lazio, whereas this time they are the prey. Which situation is easier to deal with?
“I don’t see it that way. We still see this as a fundamental match, it’s do or die, and we have to show the character, sharpness, clear heads and quality of a team that represents the city of Milan and must get back into the Champions League. That’s what you have to do if you play for this club.”