APPIANO GENTILE – "It's not a case of starting over, we just have to keep going because tomorrow we've got a hugely important game and winning it would be the best fix for us and help us push on. We certainly have to make sure we keep our focus and respond on the pitch." Andrea Stramaccioni was clear about what he wants from his team as Inter prepare to host Bologna tomorrow.
A win that the Nerazzurri will have to achieve without the suspended Samir Handanovic. "I have complete confidence in Carrizo," Stramaccioni stressed. "He came here to provide cover if and when our No.1 was unavailable and also to help Belec grow."
On his defensive options: "Juan Jesus is a booking away from suspension. Chivu is reliable but it might be risky to put him through too many games in a short space of time. Samuel has started training with the main group again but we're going to give him a bit of time to be sure we don't make any mistakes. I hope to have Silvestre available again soon. I think it's unlikely we'll see Samuel back in the team before the international break, but that's for the doc to assess. Nagatomo's absence is a blow because he's one of six players I feel can do a job for us on the flanks. Besides being a very good player, he's also important tactically because he covers the whole flank well. How long will he need to recover? He's going to have a test at the start of next week and then I'll know if we might have him back for Sampdoria or after the break. Hopefully it won't be long."
It was then put to Stramaccioni that the four-man defence is faring worse than the three-man system used earlier in the season. The coach replied: "It's a problem for all ten outfield players, not only the defence. We've let in quite a few goals and I'll admit that our keeper has prevented a fair few more. We'll stick to playing with four at the back but we do need to work on it."
