Pau Lopez: Focus and finishing crucial against Inter

The Nerazzurri come to the Olimpico (kick-off is at 21:45 local time) with renewed Serie A title hopes following an emphatic win over SPAL – although Paulo Fonseca’s side also come into the contest on fine form.

After a 0-0 draw at the San Siro earlier on the season, Lopez believes taking some cues from that performance – while adding a few finishing touches – will put the Giallorossi in a good position to get a positive result this weekend.

“It will be a really difficult game against Inter, they are a tough side to go up against and of course they are very strong in attack – we will need to be very focused defensively,” the Spaniard told asroma.com.

“It won’t be easy to win, but we have to do everything possible to try and do that.

“I remember the meeting earlier in the season, where we played really well even if many people had already written us off. On Sunday we need to have that same attitude, and hopefully create a few more chances that we can then try and take advantage of.”

The side will be boosted in that aim by the confidence earned from three straight victories, including Wednesday’s hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Hellas Verona.

“It was tough against Verona, they are a bit like Atalanta, but we acquitted ourselves well, especially in the first half,” he said.

“We fought right until the end, keeping focused and concentrated throughout. And we won, which is the most important thing.”

Lopez also paid tribute to teammate Antonio Mirante, who has played a number of games since the lockdown as the Spaniard continued his recovery from a hand injury.

“Antonio has always been really supportive, right from the start, he has helped me a lot since my arrival,” Lopez said.

“He’s a great person, in the changing room too – he’s an important person for all of us, I think, because of his experience and the way he performs whenever he plays.”