The UEFA Champions League trophy pictured during the draw ceremony for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 fixtures in Nyon, Switzerland, 18 December 2023. EPA-EFE/SALVATORE DI NOLFI

Milan and Italy legend Alessandro Costacurta feels Inter star Lautaro Martinez still struggles to ’emerge on certain stages’ and predicts Manchester City and PSG will meet in the Champions League Final.

The ex-Italy international, now a Sky Sport Italia pundit, commented on Friday’s Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draw.

His ex-coach Carlo Ancelotti will face Manchester City and ‘Billy’ believes the Premier League champions are favourite.

The draw “confirms that Manchester City are my favourite [to win the Champions League]. They will even play the second leg at home,” said the former defender.

“The only doubt I have about Manchester City is the demanding race for the Premier League title. Otherwise, my prediction for the final is City-Paris.”

The Ligue 1 giants are enjoying a ten-point lead over Brest in the French league. “That’s why I think PSG will be very dangerous,” continued Costacurta.

“I like their evolution. I recently showed here a video of Mbappé tracking back to defend on a full-back. I think it is a message he is sending. I think PSG will eliminate Barcelona.”

There are no Serie A representatives left in the Champions League following the eliminations of Napoli, Lazio and Inter.

On Wednesday night, the Nerazzurri were knocked out by Atletico Madrid on penalties, and Costacurta was still surprised. The 57-year-old briefly talked about the Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez, suggesting he should have done more in Madrid.

“I expected something more from Lautaro. I remember he didn’t do well at the World Cup, so it makes me think that he is unable to emerge on certain stages, but he does have the quality to do so. You need a different determination in Europe.”

Costacurta won the Champions League five times as a footballer and reached the World Cup Final in 1994, which the Azzurri lost to Brazil on penalties.

3 thought on “Costacurta aims dig at Inter striker Lautaro, predicts Champions League Final and ‘Barcelona eliminated’”
  1. I don’t understand. I didn’t see testa alta internazionale get mentioned in the champions league quarter final draw. how come? they are the best team in europe and Inzaghi is a genius. there must be a mistake.

  2. Tu festeggia unable cosa che no si puo fare lei e la tua squadra. A Maggio, l’ Inter saro’ Campioni d’ Italia. Noi. INTERISTI GODE QUELL MOMENTO e la secondary Stella.

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