Inzaghi wants perfection from Inter against Napoli
Simone Inzaghi insisted that Inter Milan would have to be perfect if it is to navigate the challenge of Napoli and come away with a victory over its Serie A title rival this weekend.
Inzaghi watched on as his team booked its place in the Coppa Italia semi-final for the fifth time in the past six seasons with a 2-0 win over Lazio in midweek.
But now attention turns to a potentially season-defining clash at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with just a point separating the two teams at the top of Serie A.
Inter will start the matchday as the league leader for the second time this season, after also doing so in mid-September after it had drawn 1-1 at Monza, but this game means more.
For the fifth time in the past 10 seasons, Napoli and Inter will compete when starting the matchday in the top two positions of the Serie A table. Three of those meetings have ended in a draw, including the reverse fixture earlier this season, which ended 1-1.
When asked about the potential impact the encounter could have on the title race, Inzaghi did not play down the magnitude of this weekend's clash.
"It will change a lot, we need to get through a difficult match in the best possible way," Inzaghi said.
"In big matches, we haven't done as well as in previous years. We need to be perfect."
Despite Napoli failing to win its past four league matches, Inzaghi added that Antonio Conte's side has impressed him with its performances this campaign.
"Napoli has changed their formation, it has excellent players and an excellent coach, very well organised," he said.
"They know exactly what to do on the pitch, with one system or the other, they deserve compliments. They've had a great journey and it will be a fantastic challenge tomorrow."
Regarding key injuries, Inzaghi confirmed that Yann Sommer, Carlos Augusto, Matteo Darmian, and Nicola Zalewski will miss the game, with possible tactical adjustments.
"Marcus Thuram has been working well and might feature, but it's not guaranteed he will start," he added.
Inzaghi also lauded his team for its progress this season, particularly in Europe, where it remains the only Italian side in contention for silverware in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions League.
"Every game requires energy, but we are among the few teams still in contention for all our goals," he said. "We will continue to aim high, one game at a time."
