Antonio Conte Wants Inter to Be 'Protagonists' in Serie A This Season

Antonio Conte has spoken to the media ahead of Inter's opening clash of the 2020/21 Serie A season against Fiorentina on Saturday, insisting that he wants his side to be 'protagonists' in the title race once more.

The Italian's debut season at the Nerazzurri ended in disappointing fashion with defeat against Sevilla in the Europa League final. However, he did guide them to their highest points tally in Serie A (82) since 2009/10 - finishing a mere point of champions Juventus.

Despite Conte's success, there were questions surrounding his future at the club in the wake of the Sevilla defeat but he remained at the helm following crunch talks with president Steven Zhang at the end of August.

Now, all eyes are on 2020/21 in what promises to be a mightily exciting campaign for the Nerazzurri.

"For the season that is starting, the important thing is to stay in the competitions until the end," Conte said ahead of Inter's season opener against La Viola (via La Repubblica). "Last year we didn't win, but little has been said about the fact that we have done something extraordinary.

"The obligation is not to win but to be protagonists," he added.

Inter have been relatively busy in the transfer market this summer as they attempt to end Juve's prolonged spell of dominance in Italy. Dynamic wing-back Achraf Hakimi joins from Real Madrid alongside all-action midfielder Arturo Vidal. Former Roma defender Aleksandar Kolarov also arrives to provide depth at centre-back.

Speaking about the Nerazzurri's business, Conte said: "Vidal and Kolarov have great experience. Hakimi is 21 and has a great career ahead."

There could also be a debut for the Chilean on Saturday night: "Physically he [Vidal] is fine. I know him tactically, he has already played with me. Today he does different things, but he is tactically intelligent and has a great mentality. In our midfield, he can cover any role and we are happy to have him with us."