INTER BETTER THAN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
The new Inter star speaks.
The Croatian prepares his debut in the derby.
"A special match but there is everything to win here. And when a club that fought two months to get you, the decision became very easy. We will challenge many great clubs in Europe next year."
PROOF OF LOVE
"I gave up the Champions League. Wanted Inter. And now the derby."
First words as an Inter player for the pupil of Mancini. "When a club fought two months to get you, the decision became easier. I am not worried, I will play in the Champions League with Inter next year." Ivan Perisic, after two non-successful games with the national team (draw in Azerbaijan and defeat in Norway), is eager to go all in with Inter with the derby coming up. Judging him against the Vikings would be wrong however. His group was one that struggling to play together, with many searching for a conductor. Perisic showed flashes of pure class and the ability to do whatever he wants with both feet. He often put on the accelerator to create a few scoring chances for Croatia but almost all were wasted by Mandzukic. Anyway, the former Wolfsburg player will be presented on Thursday at Appiano Gentile and so, despite moments of difficulty with the national team, he has agreed to talk about Inter.
Perisic, that defeat hurts, the one in Norway?
"A well-deserved defeat. We were not up for it and they played a lot better. Also, it is true that last Thursday in Azerbaijan, we wasted a lot of chances and were close at least three times to take the lead."
What has happened to the team that started so well in the qualification round?
"Then, we all gave 100%. Now, we are struggling. Other than the fact that at the start of a new season, we cannot be at top shape. We must find ourselves again. In October, we have two more games and so qualification to France 2016 still pretty much depends on us."
Especially if Italy can do you a favor by beating Norway on the last matchday.
"Yes, in fact, from now on I will be a big fan of the Azzurri."
The best way to start your adventure here in our country.
"I need to rest a bit after two games but I cannot way to train with my new teammates."
Ready to go and debut on Sunday in a derby.
"There are still a few days left. First, let me go to Milan and work with my teammates. What certain is that I am starting to understand how important this game against Milan is. We will do everything to beat them in a special game."
The feeling is that Mancini wants to field a 4-2-3-1.
"I have yet to train with my teammates. There will be times to talk tactics with the coach. And above all, I will have to earn my spot by working well during the week."
The fact remains that you left Wolfsburg and the Champions League to go to an Inter team that last year finished eighth.
"I plan to play in it next year with Inter. When a big club that looked for you with a lot of determination and fought the resistance of Wolfsburg, the decision became very easy. I know that Inter had a difficult year last season but I think that is every reason to do well."
Do you talk with Brozovic about Inter when you two were with the national team?
"We focused mainly on the games with Croatia. But it is clear that he has told me a few other things. Now I want to experience it first hand in person. I am sure that not only Brozo, but other Slavic players will help me settling in."
Lots of talk about the standings since Inter have started the season with two wins while the rivals have lost points. There's even Scudetto talk.
"It seems wrong to talk about the Scudetto at the start of the season. This is not the time to make claims. It is the time to work hard."