Conte: Inter can ‘see the finish line’
Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan tightened their grip on the Serie A title on Sunday with Matteo Darmian scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Cagliari to stretch their winning streak to 11 games.
Champions Juventus consolidated third place with a 3-1 win over Genoa as Atalanta battled to a 3-2 victory over Fiorentina to stay fourth ahead of Napoli who won 2-0 at Sampdoria.
“We’re starting to see the finish line,” said Conte after Inter restored their 11-point lead on second-placed AC Milan who won 3-1 at Parma on Saturday.
Moroccan Achraf Hakimi came off the bench and set up Darmian to grab the winner with 13 minutes to go at the San Siro.
“It’s not easy to be under constant pressure but we’re getting used to it,” said Conte of their bid for a first title since 2010.
“We just need to continue pedalling to the max as we approach our goal.”
Former Manchester United defender Darmian said: “On a psychological level we gave an important signal today. Conte transmits the passion and the desire to win, you can see this on the pitch.
“Everyone feels they have a role to play.”
Juve’s nine-year reign looks set to end as they sit 12 points adrift of Inter and are now battling to stay in the Champions League berths with four points separating the second and fifthplaced teams.
Serie A top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo drew a blank to add to his frustration, as the Portuguese star failed to add to his 25 goals this campaign.
“It happens to everyone to get angry,” said coach Andrea Pirlo.
“Cristiano wanted to score at all costs because he’s a champion who wants to stamp his mark on matches.”