We failed to capitalise on our chances, lambasts Antonio Conte
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Serie A leaders Inter Milan failed to extend the lead at the top after they were held to a 0-0 draw by AS Roma at San Siro. Nerazzurri boss Antonio Conte admitted that his side forced the Romans to make errors but couldn’t capitalise and urged the players to be more determined in front of the goal.
Inter, who currently lead the Serie A with 38 points failed to score for the first time in the league this season as Paulo Fonseca’s Roma held the hosts to a 0-0 draw. The Milan club are now in danger of losing the top spot if Juventus are able to secure a victory against Lazio at Stadio Olimpico. The Old Lady trail Nerazzurri by 2 points but a win could see the Turin club go first with 39 points. Roma sit 4th in the table with 29 points but Cagliari 1 point behind Roma with one game in hand. Antonio Conte stressed on the point of being more productive and lethal in front of the goal, as reported by the Daily Mail. Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku are in terrific form but couldn’t find the back of the net against the Roman defence featuring Chris Smalling.
“These are the games where you have to score goals because we had the chances and we forced them to make errors with our pressure and the runs from midfield. We could have been more determined in front of goal and we would have brought home the three points,” Conte told Daily Mail.
The build-up to the game was overshadowed when the Corriere dello Sport newspaper used the words 'Black Friday' to describe the clash of Inter forward Romelu Lukaku and Roma defender Chris Smalling, with a front page photo of the two black players. The headlines have invited a lot of controversies with Lukaku once again being the subject of racism. The Belgian striker has faced been a victim of racism on a number of occasions since moving to Italy in the summer.Â
Inter produced some fine chances in front of the goal but neither of their players were successful in scoring past Antonio Mirante. AS Roma coach Paulo Fonseca acknowledged that they were ineffective in the final third but played a good game to hold out the league leaders.
“We made some wrong choices in the final third of the field but we played well. There were some moments where we were in complete control of the match. We tried to play without fear. We made some mistakes but I want courage,” said Fonseca.  Â
