Inzaghi confirms two Inter players out against Genoa, but is delighted with Lautaro’s ‘signal’ | OneFootball

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi confirms that Stefan de Vrij and Piotr Zielinski won’t be available against Genoa tomorrow but is delighted with Lautaro Martinez, who cut short his holiday to resume training this summer.

Inzaghi held a press conference on Friday afternoon, the eve of Inter’s first Serie A game of the season against Genoa at Marassi.

The Rossoblu have sold Mateo Retegui and Albert Gudmundsson in recent days, but Inzaghi spoke very highly of the Grifone.

“We’ll meet a team that I think is in shape with an excellent coach,” he said as quoted by TMW.

“They have hit a record for season ticket holders, so the environment will be hot. We are preparing in the best way. Marassi is never an easy pitch.”

Inzaghi insisted that his players need the utmost commitment and focus to defend their champion status.

“The preparation was very good. Everyone is available except Zielinski, who will rest for a few more days and De Vrij.”

Inzaghi said that Zielinski would surely return in Round 2 against Lecce.

“There’s great emotion and pride for this debut. We know what we did in the past. Despite difficulties, we made some capital gains, and Inter have remained competitive in Italy and Europe, so well done to the directors,” continued the Nerazzurri boss.

Inzaghi confirms two Inter players out against Genoa, but is delighted with Lautaro’s ‘signal’

“The guys are training with smiles, which means they work better. They are all motivated.

“We have the same responsibility as last season. There have been new arrivals and returns among the coaches; many teams are investing a lot of money. We were good at keeping the same structure as last season, and we put in interesting players. We know we must finalise something, given Buchanan’s injury. The directors and I spoke about it today. Luckily, I can rely on competent directors who know we must add an important player there.

“Many teams will try to win the Scudetto, and I can see more quality. All the top teams have signed reinforcements, and mid-table clubs have also taken excellent players.”

With Gudmundsson heading to Fiorentina, Inter won’t sign a new striker this summer, so they keep Joaquin Correa on the team.

“We made evaluations with the club and we decided to remain like this with our five strikers,” said Inzaghi.

“We know that the market will evolve until the end of the month, and right now, we feel covered. We have a convincing attack, and we are trying to identify a valuable left-wing back.”

Would he rather win the Serie A title again or reach a Champions League Final?

“It’s a classic question I’ve been unable to answer since April 22 [when Inter won the Serie A title beating Milan].

“We must think about the emotions that we’ve lived, hoping to give more of the same to our fans. I am proud of what we’ve done, but it’s not an easy answer.

“As for the Champions League, we know that it will change. There will be two more games in the group phase, which can become four with the playoffs. We have prepared knowing there will be more games than in the past.”

The signing of a new defender will also change Inter’s plans for their UEFA list.

“Absolutely. Right now, without a defender, all players would be in,” said the Nerazzurri boss.

“However, when we sign a defender, we’ll have to decide for the Champions League. As for Serie A, they are all in. Everyone is involved, even if the market is evolving.”

How about the starting line-up against Genoa? Will Lautaro start?

“I am still making assessments. Lautaro has worked well since he arrived. He is pretty fit, and he’s motivated. He and some other players sent a strong signal when they returned to training early despite having some extra days off.

“Bisseck is working well. He was already important last season because he played many games. His pre-season was excellent. I can pick him or Pavard in that role; it’s a doubt that I’ll have until tomorrow.”