Former Italy striker Paolo Di Canio explains why Ivan Perisic could play a key role against Liverpool tomorrow and believes Virgil van Dijk is ‘not as dominating’ as he was in the past.
The Nerazzurri will face Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 at San Siro tomorrow. Di Canio sees Liverpool as the favourite side but believes Inter have a chance to make it through the next round.
“Liverpool are surely the worst team Inter could pick in the draw,” said Di Canio recalling how the Nerazzurri had initially been paired with Ajax before UEFA were forced to an incredible redraw in December.
“Inter must be able to keep the ball possession in Liverpool’s half, but would need to keep an eye on their counter-attack,” the former striker continued.
“Inter must be realistic and cynical, making the most of everything they’ll do.”
The Nerazzurri will be without the suspended Nicolò Barella, a huge blow for the Nerazzurri.
“He will be missed. He was the perfect player to cause trouble to Liverpool. Vidal will replace him and I hope he’ll be on his night.
“Normally, I would say that Liverpool have 70% of chances to qualify, but English clubs tend to drop a little bit in February, so I say 60-40 for Liverpool now.”
How can Inter beat Liverpool? Do the Nerazzurri have any key player who can help them get the edge ahead of their trip to Anfield Road in the second leg?
“Liverpool struggled with long balls and cross-field passes, especially in the last game with Burnley,” said Di Canio.
“Inter, on the other hand, put pressure on Napoli‘s full-backs at the Stadio Maradona, mainly on the left with Dimarco and Perisic.”
The Croat will start against Liverpool while Dimarco may remain on the bench as Alessandro Bastoni is expected to recover from an ankle injury and get the nod in Inter’s three-man defence.
Ultimately, Di Canio warns Liverpool about Virgil Van Dijk as the former striker has noticed a slight change in the defender’s attitude since his return from an injury.
“He is vital to Liverpool, but he is not the same player he used to be,” he said.
“He was perfect to stop the opponents’ counter-attacks, but now he is caught out of position sometimes and is slow in certain movements.
“He complains with his teammates as well and although he remains an absolute leader, Inter must be good in filling Liverpool’s defensive gaps.”
Di Canio: "Liverpool il rivale peggiore, ma i Reds hanno punti deboli. Perisic la chiave" https://t.co/GLMGl3WC1F
— FcInterNews.it (@FcInterNewsit) February 15, 2022