After the, not so convincing, win against Genoa last Sunday, Inter faces a tough away game against Sassuolo. Here is the latest from Appiano Gentile:

What positive effects did the win against Genoa generate? “All victories bring confidence, but all that counts now is to perform well on the pitch. We have the possibility to bring home three points, we have to go for the win and this Sunday is important for our continous path.”

Inter hasn’t won away from San Siro since September 21st, how come? “Statistics like this are made to be proven wrong.”

What kind of problems does Banega have? “He is a professional, we’re currently looking for the best possible solution for everyone.”

What is the optimal position for Joao Mario? “He is an important midfielder when it comes to the offensive phase, he knows where he’s supposed to be and he knows where to find his teammates. If he could only score a bit more, he would take full advantage of his offensive characteristics.”

When playing away have Inter lacked the right mentality up until now? “In Naples we had the wrong attitude, but only there. In the other games the right attitude has been there. We prepare and face each opponent the same way and we will have a lot of fans at Sassuolo. We are Inter and we always have to play for the win. But we have respect for Sassuolo, they have a great coach but we have confidence in what we can.”

How important is it to close the first half of the season having 30 points? “It’s an important game against Sassuolo, then we’ll think about the next one. So far, we haven’t won three games in a row. We want to do that.”

What is the greatest challenge to overcome, what are you most satisfied with up until now? “There are many things to improve, from speed with the ball to good movement and being compact without the ball. If we’re talking about wanting to perform well and to give 100% there are many positive aspects, only with that attitude can we start moving towards the top of the table. I have seen these positive aspects and they can still improve. Now we have to find the continuity that allows us to move upwards.”

Is it true that it’s crucial to get a player like Felipe Melo back in order to give balance to the midfield? “He is a physical position player that can contribute in his way. Physically he’s doing well.”

When Medel returns from injury, will he play in defence and if so will this force you to go look for another player on the transfer market given that you’ll be one player short in midfield? “First thing is to get him back, his personality is really important to this team. It’s true he can play in both roles, but that’s an advantage we have to use. Against Milan he did really well in a four-man defence, I like having a team that can change the system of playing and having players that can adapt. In January we’ll evaluate and take proper actions.”

Can you think about the game next week without getting personal? “I’m also ex-Sassuolo, we are concentrated and will always give our max.”

Will there be a defence of three tomorrow? The main problem is midfield since you’ve tried so many players there? “Perhaps you focus too much on whether we play with a three-man or four-man defence, it always depends on who we’re facing, this is not the solution of our problems. The team has to work together in the defensive phase, being more organised and determined. The problem isn’t if D’Ambrosio plays wide or not, he has to be where our opponents are. In midfield we are looking for the best balance where we can take the most advantage of the team’s potential so that everyone plays at the right position where they can be at their best.”

Perisic, what kind of moment is he going through? “I expect a lot from Perisic because he has an enormous potential, and it’s right to ask the best from him. I rely on him as I do on the other players. Then I have to make the decisions depending on what I see during the week. But that he means a lot for this team is obvious.”

Is there a player you expected more from up until now? “I’m happy to coach such a great group of players and I expect a lot  from everyone. If we start single specific players out we lose focus of the group and from the objectives of the group.”

What errors should you avoid on Sunday? “We have to be in the game, we have to stay attentive and determined knowing we have the ability to hurt our opponents. This game is as important as the other, there are still many games to be played.”