Former Inter striker Hernan Crespo says an Italian side can win the Europa League, and calls it a ‘great competition’.

The Argentinian won the UEFA Cup with Parma in 1999, and has discussed the chances of Italian clubs in the modern equivalent.

“It’s not a stopgap,” Crespo insisted, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It’s a great competition, which we [Italian football] snubbed too often when we were stronger. Now the time has come to believe, an Italian side can get to the final.

Former Inter striker Hernan Crespo says an Italian side can win the Europa League, and calls it a ‘great competition’.

The Argentinian won the UEFA Cup with Parma in 1999, and has discussed the chances of Italian clubs in the modern equivalent.

“It’s not a stopgap,” Crespo insisted, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It’s a great competition, which we [Italian football] snubbed too often when we were stronger. Now the time has come to believe, an Italian side can get to the final.

“We can’t compete with the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern [Munich] and Barcelona, but we can have our say in the Europa League.”

The former Chelsea man says Inter have the best chance of winning the competition, but warns that the Celtic Park atmosphere makes tonight’s game dangerous.

“Technically Inter are better [than Celtic]. The risk might be the Scottish atmosphere. However, the Inter players are experienced enough to deal with this kind of trip.

“Can they win the whole thing? Inter have reinforced in January, and [Coach Roberto] Mancini is making them play.

“It takes patience, we shouldn’t put too much pressure on them, but I think the Nerazzurri can do it.”

Bygaby

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