Sarri: 'I haven't watched Inter'

By Football Italia staff

Maurizio Sarri acknowledged Juventus had to move the ball quicker against SPAL, with special praise for Emre Can and Blaise Matuidi, but claims he hasn’t watched Inter at all.

The Bianconeri won 2-0 this afternoon with goals from Pjanic and Cristiano Ronaldo, although only a series of Etrit Berisha super saves prevented a rout.

“We had a few difficulties finding the right tempo in the opening stages, especially as SPAL were so clammed up. It wasn’t the tempo of the players as the ball, we moved the ball too slowly and there wasn’t enough movement off the ball,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.

“It was better in the second half, we created many chances and conceded very few. I was very happy with Matuidi’s performance in this new left-back role and also pleased with the determination shown by the players who came off the bench.

“Squad rotation is important, but so is the fact Emre Can came on with that attitude and determination after his great disappointment (of not being in the Champions League squad). He can be a very useful player for us this season.”

Pjanic not only got a goal, but had 124 touches, so is getting closer to the 150 passes per game that Sarri had asked for in pre-season.

“I told him he needs another 25 to meet the promise! Pjanic is improving a great deal in the number of touches and the vertical passes he is coming out with.”

Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala had a rare start together today, as Gonzalo Higuain was rested.

“Against Verona, I think we didn’t play well and Hellas did very well. We were different at Brescia, showed more character, more quality in our passing and many more chances.

“Dybala gives us quality and more solutions going forward. Cristiano Ronaldo was lively today and created four or five scoring opportunities, while Higuain has been doing well this season.

“It’s good to have three forwards where any combination you choose, you can’t really go wrong.”

Juventus will face Inter in a top of the table showdown next weekend, but Sarri made a surprising revelation.

“I haven’t actually watched any Inter games this season, as we’ve focused mainly on the teams we are facing next. Tonight, we’ll watch a couple of Bayer Leverkusen matches and then go to dinner.

“I hear that Inter are playing very well, I had no doubt they would considering the quality of the Coach and their players. I always said this would be a far more balanced season.”

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