Antonio Conte assures Inter are still in the Scudetto race after beating Sampdoria 2-1, but they ‘must learn to kill – in a sporting sense – the games off.’
The Nerazzurri were absolutely dominant in the first half and scored two excellent team goals with Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez, but somewhat petered out after the break.
They still held on for a 2-1 victory over Samp that puts them within six points of leaders Juventus.
“This evening, we had no choice but to get the victory so we could close the gap to six points,” said Conte in his press conference.
“We fuel the hope that we can achieve something extraordinary. It’s true that we could’ve sealed it earlier by making more of our chances, but instead we conceded at the first Samp attempt and got a little anxious. It was a good performance, anyway.
“I repeat, it’s not a fitness issue, but when we have scoring opportunities and do not take them, which also happened in the Coppa Italia with Napoli, all it takes is one lucky ricochet and it’s all up for grabs again.
“I hope these games will help us realise we must kill – in a sporting sense – the opponent and kill the game when we have the chance.”
Eriksen is settling into his trequartista role behind Lukaku and Lautaro, as Conte changed the team’s tactics to fit the Dane.
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“We must continue using these new solutions. We had more time to work with Christian, both tactically and physically, during the lockdown. He has settled in, but must be even more determined and score more goals.
“We’re six points off the top with 12 rounds to go. There’s no margin for error, whereas Lazio and Juventus can have the odd mistake and get away with it.
“This is why need that ferocity in front of goal, because with a strong lead, we can then relax on the ball.”