“It is very strange that we did not score against Shakhtar in 180 minutes.”

Inter coach Antonio Conte summed up the results of the draw with Shakhtar Donetsk (0: 0) in the match on matchday 6 of the Champions group stage.

– How unexpected was it for you that Shakhtar played with three central defenders despite all their defensive problems? How did this affect the result?

– Shakhtar played defense. I find it very strange that we did not dial with them in 180 minutes. The rival was lucky in this regard. I think their goalkeeper had a great fight. Shakhtar played exactly the same in Kiev. Last year with Atalanta they had much more confidence in attack, but now they closed so as not to fail. It’s unpleasant that we didn’t score, we had opportunities for that, like in Kiev. Shakhtar were lucky, but they played very well. His goalkeeper played very well.

– You play many games one after another. Do you think that five substitutions are a good strategy for the future or does the need to make so many changes affect the game?

– I released Perisic at 65 minutes on the wing, a little later than Sánchez, and we had three attackers. Just one goal was not enough to win. I don’t understand, but I respect the question you asked me. Perhaps you would like to be in the shoes of the coach.

– You did not qualify for the Europa League or the Champions League, but Inter play quite well in Serie A. Is it possible now to change the whole approach towards the championship and continue the series of positive results?

– We did not know what problems would happen to us this season. You need to digest everything, including this coincidence, and start over. Yes, we must already think about the next game with Cagliari.