Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi likes the togetherness of his pacesetters

Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi thanked his stalwarts for embracing the slew of new recruits at San Siro as the Nerazzurri blaze a trail at the top of Serie A.

There was some concern that the formula which saw Inter go all the way to an unexpected Champions League final and claim a creditable third place in the league might be addled by the transfer overhaul that took place over the summer.

Although European stars including Benjamin Pavard and Marcus Thuram were thrown into the mix, many clubs have found it is not always easy to create a winning team in the short term based solely on the quality of talent recruited.

Inzaghi told a press conference: “Our squad has undergone a lot of changes, but the players who were already here have been important. They’ve helped the newcomers – however experienced they are – understand how to adapt to the Inter world.

“I see real willingness: everyone has been working excellently and in a really determined fashion since July.”

Inter host Sassuolo on Wednesday having thumped city rivals AC Milan 5-1, drawn away at Real Sociedad and squeezed past Empoli 1-0 on Sunday, with a trip to Salernitana on the schedule for the upcoming weekend.

“It’ll be our fourth match in 10 days, with many players having also been away on international duty and done plenty of travelling,” Inzaghi added.

“However, I’m lucky enough to coach a competitive squad. We still need to train this afternoon and then I’ll make my choices.”

On the threat posed by Sassuolo, the former Lazio striker said: “They come into this game having beaten Juventus thanks to a really good display and they have a excellent coach who has his team really well organised.

“We need to be determined as we look to produce a big performance.”

His opposite number in the Neroverdi dugout, Alessio Dionisi, led his side to a 4-2 triumph over Juve last time out and told reporters: “The victory has given us awareness, and we obtained a great result against a better team.

Mister Dionisi prima di #InterSassuolo

«Con coraggio e personalità dobbiamo essere il miglior Sassuolo per mettere in difficoltà l’Inter»

https://t.co/BuorPFAJNO#ForzaSasol

— U.S. Sassuolo (@SassuoloUS) September 26, 2023

“We know what we did on Sunday will not be enough against Inter because right now they are superior. They are superior to everyone.

“We must try to be the best possible version of Sassuolo, we made it on Saturday and we must do the same tomorrow against a team that seems unplayable.

“We’ll need courage and personality.”