Henrikh Mkhitaryan is back to his best and wants to inspire Inter to a ninth Supercoppa Italiana title ahead of their semi-final against Atalanta.
Mkhitaryan has started all 17 of Inter's games in Serie A this season, with Simeone Inzaghi's side sitting third in the table, a point behind leaders Atalanta with a game in hand.
The Armenian has scored one goal and a further three assists in the Italian top flight this season, three of which have come in his last four Serie A games.
But next up for Inter is a tempting Supercoppa Italiana match against Atalanta, who have been Serie A's standouts so far this season.
Inter are unbeaten in their last 13 games in all competitions against Atalanta (W8 D5), but Mkhitaryan was wary of the threat Gian Piero Gasperini's side posed.
“It's clear that tomorrow's match will be very important. We know Atalanta are playing very well,” Mkhitaryan said.
“We will try to play our best. It is very important for us to keep winning. We will do our best.”
First training session in Saudi Arabia #ForzaInter pic.twitter.com/zNiMmKVh0a
— Inter (@Inter_en” >@Inter_en) December 31, 2024
Inter are the current holders of the Supercoppa Italiana after beating Napoli 1-0 in the showpiece competition last season.
Inzaghi's side have also won the last three previous editions of the tournament, the longest streak since the Nerazzurri won five consecutive titles between 2006 and 2010.
Their last three wins have all come in Riyadh, and Mkhitaryan believes Inter have found a home away from home given their recent successes.
“We are here for the third time, we have lifted the trophy in the last two finals and we hope to win this Super Cup too,” he added.
“We are aware without any doubt that Atalanta is very strong, but we hope that our fans will give us a helping hand to win.”
Mkhitaryan also believes his own personal play has improved since the turn of the season, helped by pressure from midfielder duo Davide Frattesi and Piotr Zielinski.
“At the beginning of the season I wasn't at my best, but now I'm back to my level,” Mkhitaryan said.
“The competition from Frattesi and Zielinski helped me a lot. They push me to improve. We all want to play, but we are here to do our best to win.
“Whoever starts is involved, and that includes those who take over the bank.”
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