Darmian: "It'll be difficult match, but we want the three points"

Inter Milan prepares to take the field for the fourth matchday of the UEFA Champions League: on Wednesday, 6 November at 21:00 CET, the whistle will signal the start of the clash against Arsenal. 

On the eve of the match, Matteo Darmian answered journalists' questions in a press conference: 

What is the most difficult aspect to replicate compared to what you achieved last year?

"When you play for such an important club, you always want to reach the highest goals. Every day is an opportunity to grow and improve. In the league, we've dropped a few points, but we're still in the race and want to continue the growth journey that started years ago and is still ongoing today. Whether we are the favourites or not will be decided on the pitch, but we will do our best to bring home points and victories."

With this new format, have you formed an idea of how far you are from the goal of finishing in the top nine? How important is tomorrow's game?

"This format is new for everyone. We are focused on tomorrow. We are facing a strong team with quality and great play, but we are not inferior and want to prove that with a victory that will benefit our journey."

Given how Arsenal plays with a focus on the flanks, will you have to sit a bit deeper or will you play your own game regardless?

"We will try to play our game while considering the qualities and characteristics of Arsenal. We know the quality of all their offensive players, and we must defend well as a team and do our utmost to put them under pressure."

It's the second time you've started a season with the scudetto on your chest. Can the pressure affect you?

"No, I think there should be a fierce desire to defend the scudetto. There is a strong desire to win again, and with how this group works, I have no doubts about our quality and determination."

Is Saka a player to pay special attention to?

"We must be cautious of everyone. He has great qualities, but Arsenal is not just one player; it's a collective of high quality, and we will need to work hard as a team defensively to achieve something significant."

In what ways can Lautaro still improve, and how can you help him?

"Lauti is a great player, and it's right for him to aim for the highest goals, just as we do with our own objectives. We will always try to put him in the best positions to express his potential. He is a fantastic player and captain, and he is proving that."

Is there a different intensity between the Premier League and Serie A that will make a difference?

"I have played in the Premier League, and it is certainly a different style of football and culture. There is less tactical focus, and it seems that the games are faster, but the Italian league is also tough, as evidenced by the fact that other teams struggle when they face Italian sides. Tomorrow, we will play our game, aware of our strength and quality, always with the utmost respect for the opponent but striving to win."

Can you tell us about Zielinski?

"Besides being a great player, he is a wonderful guy, and he has integrated very well. He is giving us, and will continue to give us, great support."

How is the team working on managing their energy levels?

"We feel good. We are coming off a positive period. Winning helps to win, and although we haven't had many days, we have prepared in the best way for tomorrow. We will fight and do our utmost to secure a victory."

Could Inter Milan and Arsenal be two teams that could win the Champions League?

"The pitch will tell us that. Both are strong teams. Arsenal has contested the title with City in the Premier League in recent seasons; they are well-equipped and strong. We have won important trophies, and it will be a difficult match, but we want to bring home the three points, and then the pitch will show us where we can go."

What mistake must not be made tomorrow and against Napoli?

"We are focused on tomorrow. We will think about the match against Napoli later. We must take the field with determination and focus. It will require great work defensively and offensively."

In the Scudetto film, your teammates say that whenever you're around, something always happens. Are you happy with your contract renewal?

"My teammates say that. I try to always be myself and improve. Then, when the coach gives me the opportunity, I try to help the team. What I think about is working hard. I have to earn everything on the pitch."

Would you like to get back into the national team setup?

"The national team is extremely important. It's something every player aspires to. Spalletti is doing an important job, creating a group that is performing well. For me, it's important to do well with the club. I wish the best for the upcoming matches, and I will continue to strive to do my best."

How do you see Pavard? Has he changed since he arrived?

"Benji is a great player. When he arrived last year, he immediately made himself available to the group. You can learn something from every great player. He has grown, just like the whole team, and will continue to do so because he has great qualities both on and off the pitch."