Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi doesn’t envision an easy match against Genoa on the opening day of the Serie A campaign.
The Rossoblu will host the Italian champions tomorrow evening at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium.
On the eve of the encounter, Inzaghi held his pre-match press conference where he discussed several matters.
The 48-year-old insisted that Genoa present a difficult opponent for the Nerazzurri, especially away from home.
“A new season begins, we will have a tough debut on a pitch that has always been difficult in recent years,” noted the Inter head coach via FcInterNews.
“We will be up against a healthy team and an excellent It will be a heated atmosphere and we are preparing to give our best.”
Inzaghi urged his players to put last season’s triumph behind them and focus on the new campaign.
“Winning the Serie A title was a great achievement, but now it must be left behind. We have a great responsibility, to defend the title.
“We are ready and we know that in the previous campaigns those who won had difficulties. The preparation was good despite several arrivals.
“I found the boys in good shape. They train with a smile, which makes them work better. I saw them charged and responsible. We must start as we finished last season.
“At the moment we are missing the left defender that we are trying to identify”.
Simone Inzaghi Discusses Inter Milan Preparations Ahead Of Genoa Clash
Inzaghi accepts the “favorites” tag ahead of the new campaign, but feels his squad still lacks a defender.
“We know whether we won the league or not, we have always been among the favorites.
“We have kept the same backbone and added some excellent players. But we still lack a player Buchanan’s injury.
“Even today we were with the new president and the directors. I am lucky to work with capable directors who know that an important player is needed there to give us options.”
The former Lazio manager praises Lautaro Martinez for making himself available to start despite joining pre-season at a relatively late stage.
“I’m still evaluating the lineup. Lautaro has worked very well since he arrived. He’s in good shape, I’ll decide whether to let him start straight away but he’s motivated as always.
“Those who returned a few days earlier from the summer vacation gave me a positive signal. They showed their great responsability.”
Inzaghi also applauds the management while taking pride in starting on the Nerazzurri dugout for the fourth season.
“Personally, there is great emotion for this season debut. There is great pride for me to start my fourth season at the club.
“We know what we have achieved, also thanks to a very competent management we have made capital gains and we have won several trophies.
“The directors have worked with limitations and have been very good at maintaining a competitive team in Italy and in Europe.
“There are many teams that will aim for the Scudetto, I see a balanced league.”
Finally, Inzaghi reveals he’s planning to call-up all five strikers (including Correa and Arnautovic) while leaving the door open for developments on the market.
“If we don’t sign a new defender, everyone will be in the Champions League list. By taking a defender, we will have to make a choice like we did last year in August.
“But in the league, clearly everyone is in. The lads themselves know that with five forwards we will have problems.
“Today, I feel like saying that all five are in. From now until August, we know that there could be news on the market.