If you tease a lion, it will roar - Spalletti backs Mourinho

Luciano Spalletti wants Inter to treat Atalanta as “an extension of the Champions League” and aspire to become as beloved by fans as Jose Mourinho.

“It is an extremely difficult test and we must consider it an extension of the Champions League week,” warned the Coach in his Press conference just days after a 1-1 draw with Barcelona.

“Atalanta paid for the Europa League efforts and the disappointment of that exit, but they always performed well and now they are making more of their chances.

“When playing in Bergamo, they really come out and attack you, showing their mental and physical strength. Gian Piero Gasperini’s influence is visible and he is great for Italian football, making it more modern and entertaining.

“We’ve got to remember that a contract makes you part of Inter, but only results and victories let you be part of this club’s history. We saw that with the reaction Inter fans had to Jose Mourinho’s gesture. After the results he achieved here, the love for him is infinite and we must want to experience that too.”

The gesture in question saw Mourinho hold up a hand to his ear after Manchester United beat Juventus in the Champions League, having been insulted for 90 minutes from the stands.

“If you provoke a lion, it will roar at you,” smiled Spalletti. “Mourinho himself said that in the cold light of day he shouldn’t have done it, but there are emotional pressures during certain games and there is the risk of reacting. I know full well. As long as it remains at this level, it’s all part of the spectacle.

“Juventus are the strongest side in Italy and will probably win the Scudetto, but there are other teams and difficulties can arise during a Serie A season. The other sides must try to do the impossible and never give in, even at the 95th minute.”

Radja Nainggolan made his comeback against Barcelona, but looked visibly unfit after an ankle injury.

“We need to evaluate Marcelo Brozovic, as he has played more than anyone, but also ties everything together, from the midfield to the Curva Nord. He is on the road to becoming a top player and has a compass in his feet.

“Nainggolan tried to do what he is accustomed to, but his condition isn’t good, so it’s unlikely he will take part tomorrow. At the moment we are playing 4-2-3-1, but it mutates to 4-3-3 during a match situation. The difference is made by the opposition playmaker, as if he’s particularly talented, we need to keep a closer eye on him.

“Our run of positive results is what we should’ve done from the start, but we must beware of letting self-belief break through into complacency or arrogance. We must never give in.”