Antonio Conte describes Udinese as ‘the game of our lives’ as the Inter boss pledges to ‘help Alexis Sanchez get back to being the Alexis we all know.’
Inter host Udinese on their return to Serie A action tomorrow, hoping to make it three wins out of three, and Conte is prepared for a ‘challenging’ run of fixtures.
“Returning from the international break is always a step into the unknown as players return in different conditions, both physically and mentally,” he said at a Press conference.
“Udinese are a good team, they’re fit physically and they’re good on the break. Nestorovski, De Paul and Pussetto have excellent quality.
“In short, the Bianconeri are fish to fry for us. We’ll try to face the match in the right way A challenging run awaits us, everyone will have a chance to play and we’ll understand our condition better.
“We have to think step by step, it’s the best way. Therefore, the game of our lives will be tomorrow night against Udinese.
“I’ve seen enthusiasm from my players and it’s only right that there is, but it must be contained.
“I have to be honest, I’m pleased that the Inter fans have welcomed me the way they have.
“I’ve always said, even in the past, that you can only win fans over by giving all of yourself and immersing all of yourself into your new environment. I try to transfer all that to my players.”
Romelu Lukaku has since been reunited with his former Manchester United striker partner at San Siro…
“He’s a good player, he’s shown in the past that he is one. He’s won trophies, played for Manchester United, Barcelona…
“He’s quick, strong and resilient. We must help him restore the confidence he lost in England over the past couple of years for various reasons.
“His value isn’t in question. We must help him get back to being the Alexis we all know. I’ve found great availability on his part. I’ll consider him once he’s ready.
“Lukaku’s a good, valuable player who thinks about his team before scoring goals. He’s very selfless, but he remains a striker who can fight with Cristiano Ronaldo for the title of top scorer.
“I’m really happy about how this team have been built. There are some top players here, who can still grow a lot.”
Finally, the former Juventus and Chelsea boss was asked for a few words on Mauro Icardi, who left the Nerazzurri for Paris Saint-Germain.
“It’s only right if he presents himself. You [journalists] know him well enough. Certainly my staff and I wish him lots of good luck, but he’s no longer part of our team so it’s not right to talk about him.”
