MILAN (ITALPRESS) – “I expect an opponent to be aggressive in some moments and wait-and-see in others. They will want to put us in difficulty and we will have to be good at playing a game of running and determination.” Inter coach Simone Inzaghi said this on the eve of the Champions League round of 16 return match against Feyenoord, beaten 2-0 in the first leg in the Netherlands.
“We had an example on Saturday against Monza, all matches create difficulties and you always find organized teams – the words of the Nerazzurri coach – Despite the double advantage we will not have to make calculations but play with lucidity.”
In goal, Inzaghi revealed, “Sommer will return, he trained very well and tomorrow he will play, however Martinez did very well and I am very happy because I can choose, as well as in other areas of the field.” As for the rest, with Correa off the roster, “De Vrij and Lautaro worked in the gym as a precaution, tomorrow they will do the gymnastics and we will see if they will be available or not,” Inzaghi let it be known, confident, however, that he will have them both for the match.
“Thuram has been battling with a problem for a month and he is not able to train as before,” the coach of the Italian champions unveiled further, “He is playing with painkillers and is giving us a big hand, I will evaluate tomorrow, as well as for the forwards: there should be no problem for Lautaro, then I will choose, and not based on the league but on the physical condition of some players.
Inzaghi will certainly have to do without Zielinski: “He had a major injury at a time when he was growing a lot, we will wait for him as we did for other players.” Tomorrow, against the Dutch, will be the Nerazzurri’s 20th game in this start of 2025: “The many matches done should not be a problem but a stimulus. We must be proud of it,” concluded Inzaghi, who will toast his 200th appearance on the Lombard bench tomorrow.
“It’s always good to start from a two-goal lead, but now it’s a different game, there’s the second half, so there’s a need to work and play focused, but we’re charged up,” stressed Inter’s outside forward Denzel Dumfries, “They will come here to play their last chances, they will try to score goals and put pressure on us.
Tomorrow the Dutchman will play under a caution. “I was also in Rotterdam and also in other matches, it’s not the first match I’ve played as a cautioned player, you definitely have to be more careful, but the most important thing is to win and I’m ready to do my duels as always.” First the Champions League challenge, then the match-scudetto with Atalanta yesterday victorious with a clear 4-0 win over Juventus. “Every match is important, we play in three competitions, the calendar is like that and we have to work with the goal of winning every match,” highlighted the former Psv man, who does not want to choose the goals to chase. “We have to aim for all competitions, you play to win and I want to win everything.”
“Physically I am fine and we want to go into the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Feyenoord played well against AC Milan but we want to show that we are a top club, we have to stay focused and concentrated on the goal – concluded the Oranje national – I expect a very aggressive Feyenoord, they come here for the win and to overturn the result. As for me, I’m happy with the way I’m playing and I know that I have to improve every day-I don’t think this depends on the renewal of my contract, I’ve worked a lot mentally and this is now my great strength.”
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
