Danilo D’Ambrosio is hopeful of Inter’s chances in the Champions League this season but admitted that ‘other teams have something more’ than the Nerazzurri.
Simone Inzaghi’s side edged out a tense 1-0 aggregate win over Porto in the Round of 16 and will face Primeira Liga leaders Benfica in the quarter-finals.
In the other quarter-final on this side of the bracket, Napoli will face Milan in an all-Italian affair, meaning there’s a concrete chance of seeing a Serie A side in the final this season.
Speaking at the presentation of the ‘Amici dei Bambini’ tournament, D’Ambrosio first discussed the Champions League quarter-finals.
“It takes away a lot of energy, but in the quarter-finals one team is worth the other and they are all strong teams.
“All in all, it didn’t go badly for us. It’s not that I’m happy with Benfica, but you have to be realistic, other teams have something more than us.”
The veteran defender was asked why the Nerazzurri have experienced so many ups and downs this season.
“When you play at this level there are so many commitments. Those who play for Inter know that even a draw is a defeat.
“We have had meeting after meeting. The solution is to give our best match after match.”
The 34-year-old reflected on Inter’s reaction after beating Napoli earlier in the campaign.
“The underlying numbers say it, Napoli are strong. We thought we were a strong team, but the ups and downs didn’t allow us to hang on to Napoli.”
He commented on the possibility of reaching the Champions League final.
“You can get there, that’s the dream. Then there’s a difference between dream and goal. You have to work hard.”
Finally, D’Ambrosio spoke about the qualities of Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
“Great striker, he has hunger, desire, he never stops. For defenders he makes you uncomfortable.”