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Conte hits out at Inter and Lukaku critics after Nerazzurri keep pace with Juve

SoccerNews in Serie A 6 Jan 2020

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Antonio Conte hit back at critics of Inter and star forward Romelu Lukaku after his high-flying side stayed level on points with Juventus atop Serie A.

Lukaku scored twice as Inter defeated Napoli 3-1 away from home on Monday, following Juve’s 4-0 rout of Cagliari earlier in the day.

After celebrating his 100th Serie A victory as a coach, Conte responded to comments about Inter’s counter-attacking strength.

“I don’t think Inter defended and went on the counter, as we tried to press Napoli right on the edge of their own area for the whole game,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

“I hear people always saying we play counter-attacking football, but this is a side that knows what it has to do every time it is in possession.

“We play knowing full well everything we have to do at any moment of the match. Fortunately, our opponents respect us more than the media seem to. People say we win away because we defend deep and go on the counter, but that is certainly not our approach.”

Inter’s record signing Lukaku took his Serie A tally to 14 goals this season thanks to his brace at the San Paolo, where Lautaro Martinez was also on target.

Lukaku has starred since arriving from Manchester United, where he only managed 12 Premier League goals in 32 appearances last season.

“I heard people say Lukaku was a donkey. I heard all sorts not even that long ago! It’s easy to speak highly of Lukaku now, but if we look back to a few weeks ago…” Conte said.

“I always said Romelu was a rough diamond that needed work to smooth him out. Lautaro Martinez is the same. These lads are 26 and 22 years old, they are still young.

“I wanted Romelu very strongly when I was at Chelsea, even back at Juventus. I wanted him, now I can get to work on polishing the diamond.”

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