Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi says focus is crucial as his side prepare to return to Champions League action against Red Star Belgrade at the San Siro on Tuesday.
Inzaghi’s side have stuttered in the defence of their domestic Serie A title and followed up defeat to city rivals AC Milan with a narrow 3-2 win away at Udinese at the weekend.
And as Inter look to build on their gutsy goalless draw at Manchester City in opener earlier in September, Inzaghi knows they can ill afford to continue the kind of errors that have crept into their game in recent weeks.
#UCL, Inzaghi: “Concentration and consistency will make the difference”#ForzaInter #InterFKCZ
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) September 30, 2024
Inzaghi said: “Concentration is crucial. We have principles that we’ve upheld for a long time, and there are moments when we need to tighten up.
“Inter must maintain continuity without conceding anything. If we hadn’t conceded on those two occasions on Saturday, we would be talking about something else.
“Right now, we need to pay even more attention because we’re facing quality opponents both in the league and in the Champions League.”
After soaring to the title last season, Inter have struggled when set against those recent high standards, and currently sit fourth in the fledgling table, two points behind leaders Napoli.
Inzaghi added: “Winning is difficult, but defending the title is even harder. The players are working very hard, but we still lack the continuity we had last year.
“Every team has faced difficulties; everyone is trying to improve, including us. This morning, we analysed Saturday’s match and the goals conceded. We are working on it and I’m confident.”
Inter will remain without midfielder Nicolo Barella due to a thigh injury, and Inzaghi confirmed that both Piotr Zielinski and Davide Frattesi will feature.
Red Star, who go into the game top of the Serbian Super Liga but smarting from an opening Champions League loss to Benfica, are still without Ognjen Mimovic and Vladimir Lucic.
