MILAN – Inter vice president Javier Zanetti revealed that the Nerazzurri are brimming with confidence as he appeared on GrParlamento on Monday.
"We’re on a great run and that’s down to the hard work of the players, the coach and all the staff," began Zanetti. "The lads believe and that’s a huge positive for us. Our results have meant we’ve cut the gap with the teams above us.
"This is an important week for us. We have a key match in the Coppa Italia tomorrow and then Sunday is another huge game. We face Lazio first and they’ll be a very tough team to beat, especially given the fact that there’s a semi-final place up for grabs."
Zanetti heaped praise on Stefano Pioli, who has overseen seven straight wins in Serie A in recent weeks.
“Pioli and his team have slotted in very well – they’re great people," said the Inter vice president. "That’s part of the reason why the results are coming and I hope that continues. We’ve always believed that we have great potential – after a tough start Pioli has done well to lead the team and overcome problems. We know what we’re capable of, there’s real confidence and enthusiasm and we have to fight all the way for a Champions League place.
"It would be huge if we could qualify for the Champions League, but for now we need to take it game by game. Tomorrow will be a big test because we want to continue our winning run, then everybody is looking forward to Sunday."
Indeed, Sunday is no ordinary game, as Inter travel to Turin to face Juventus in the Derby della Madonnina.
"Juventus is a match that both clubs and fans really care about," accepted Zanetti. "There’s no point in placing lots of expectation on the game, or the players for that matter. Both sides will fight to win and both are in good form. We hope to produce a good performance. They have lots of great players, but we’re happy with our team and I’m sure they’ll play very well on Sunday.
"We have lots of different kinds of players in midfield, but all have an important role to play – it’s no coincidence that the boss is mixing it up. Icardi and Higuain are both great forwards and I hope to see Mauro called up to the national team because with him, Gonzalo, Dybala and Messi it would be an incredible forward line.
"Icardi is showing that he’s a top striker, despite his young age. If he keeps it up he’ll have a very bright future. I hope he gets that because even away from the pitch, he’s showing great professionalism and loyalty to this team."
Zanetti also brushed off talk of further transfers at Inter, instead preferring to praise the current crop of Nerazzurri players.
"It’s premature to be thinking about our team for next season," he said. "We need to finish this season as best we can then look at how to improve the squad in a calm and collected manner. Our defence is very solid and we’re conceding very few goals. The players are doing very well – we have confidence and belief in our side.
"Suning have real belief in Inter. They are a serious organisation with great ambition. We don’t see Pioli as a stopgap – we want to build something together now. Now that we have a good run of wins under our belt, he can go about his work in peace. Suning have the utmost respect for Inter’s history and follow the league closely. Steven Zhang is almost always in Milan and that’s testament to the level of support from the owners."
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