By Daily sports on August 21, 2020

Antonio Conte has backed Inter to “leave their mark on history” by sinking Sevilla in the Europa League final.

In a warning to his players, head coach Conte said the thrill of their run to the showpiece will be soon forgotten if they fail to come away with the trophy.

Although the former Juventus boss knows his team will be facing Europa League specialists, who won the competition in three consecutive years from 2014 to 2016, he is confident Inter can triumph in Cologne.

Speaking in a news conference ahead of Friday’s game, Conte said Inter would have no fear of the opposition, declaring his team have grown “braver” over the first season of his reign.

“I was involved in a number of finals in my playing career,” said the former Juventus and Italy star. “I won some of those matches but I also lost a number of finals.

“What I’ve realised is that people only remember when you win finals.

“I won the Champions League but I also lost a further three in the final. The people who leave their mark on history are those that win those matches and trophies.”

Inter crushed Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0 in Monday’s semi-final, teeing up a shot at a Sevilla side who battled past Manchester United.

“We should be proud we’ve reached a European final for the first time in 10 years,” Conte said.

“But history is written by the conquerors, the winners. History will only record ultimately the team that wins this season’s Europa League.

“It’s a shame but equally that’s added motivation for us.”

Conte, a three-time Serie A champion as coach of Juve and Premier League winner at Chelsea, said he took the Inter job only because he sensed there was a chance of silverware.

He stressed he always needs to be sure there is a sniff of success before taking a job, even if it amounts to just a one per cent possibility. Now the chance of a first trophy at Inter is far greater.

“All the players, the staff, the kitman, the groundsmen, all of them have that feeling and that percentage has only grown day in, day out because the players are very willing to work hard,” said Conte. (Goal)

•PHOTO:  Antonio Conte 

Source Daily sports

Posted August 21, 2020

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