For the first time in a decade, the summit of the Italian league at this stage has been occupied by a team from Milan, and Conte insists the Milanese-based clubs being at the top is good for the city.
Inter Milan usurped the Rossoneri, who had been leading the pack throughout the season, at the top of the table last weekend.
Conte’s men took advantage of AC Milan’s blip at Spezia to go top of Serie A with a 3-1 victory over Lazio.
The Nerazzurri will like to extend their lead at the top to four points when they meet AC Milan in the top-of-the-table-clash on Sunday, and Conte has described what is at stake in the Derby della Madonnina.
“We are talking about two teams who are basically tied together at the top with little to separate them. That is very satisfying for the city, it means there is a lot at stake, far more than local pride,” said Conte in his press conference via Inter Milan’s official website.
“We must always work with the right determination and enthusiasm, so when the table is like this, you need to be even more motivated and exhilarated.
“The message I gave to the team this week is the same as every week, to give their all, work well and improve. We strive for excellence. Nothing changed from any other week.
“We are working to build something important, to continue the growth process, and are up against a Milan side that deserves its position in the table and is a great team, so we need to be at our best.
“The season is incredibly difficult to predict. Many assumed we’d be several points behind going into the derby, because we had Lazio and Fiorentina, while Milan had Crotone and Spezia. Yet we are one point ahead.
“It’s a very unpredictable campaign and nothing can be taken for granted. Naturally, every victory improves self-confidence and team morale, gives you more belief, so we just have to take it one game at a time.”
