APPIANO GENTILE – Roberto Gagliardini insisted Inter are full of confidence ahead of Sunday’s trip to Juventus as he appeared at a news conference at the Suning Training Centre on Thursday.
"It’s my first match against Juventus and it’ll be a very tough game, but we’re going to Turin to get a result," said the Nerazzurri midfielder. "It’s a shame we got knocked out of the Coppa Italia, but in spite of the result we showed fight. We kept battling right until the end, even when we were a man light.
"It’s vital that we get off on the right foot against Juventus to show we can hold our own. We need to keep it simple and stay compact."
Gagliardini also spoke positively about the prospect of Inter challenging for a Champions League spot.
"If you look at the table, we can compete with Roma and Napoli," he said. "It won’t be easy, but we play them both at home and that can work in our favour. We want to go toe to toe with Juventus and be convinced that we can get the result. It would send a real message out to the rest of the league if we perform well."
Asked whether Juventus had a better midfield than Inter, the young Italian conceded that Sunday’s opponents are a quality side.
"It’s pointless speaking about specific areas of their team," said Gagliardini. "Juventus are the best team in the league and they definitely have a great midfield. Were they interested in me? I don’t know and I don’t care. I’m an Inter player and I’m happy to be here. This is a huge opportunity and I’ll give it my all."
The midfielder also opened up about what has been a smooth transition from Atalanta to Inter.
"I’m quite sure of myself – I know what I can do and how I can help the team," said Gagliardini. "Everything happened very quickly but I think the fact I’ve gone straight into the side has helped me to settle in. I’m happy with my start to life here and hope to continue in the same vein.
"There are lots of similarities between Pioli and Gasperini, but of course when you’re playing in a new system with new team-mates there are lots of different ideas and dynamics to get used to."
Gagliardini refused to be drawn on comparisons with other players.
"I don’t like to compare myself," he said. "I like lots of great players but they have different characteristics to me. My mentality and style of play changed under Gasperini at Atalanta and that really helped me. This year has been unique – it’s just got better and better."
Last but not least, Gagliardini was asked about his ambitions with the Italian national side.
"I’m not thinking about that too much for the moment," he replied. "It was a great feeling to sign for this club so right now I’m just focusing on doing well – the rest will come."
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