Champions League winner Roberto Di Matteo believes Pep Guardiola ‘fears’ Italians and compares Romelu Lukaku to Didier Drogba ahead of tomorrow’s Final between Manchester City and Inter.
The former Italy international unexpectedly lifted the Champions League in 2012 with Chelsea beating Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in the semis and Bayern Munich in a Final played at the Allianz Arena, the Bavarian’s home ground.
Inter are now the underdogs against City, but Di Matteo believes the Nerazzurri are in a better situation than his Chelsea side.
“We were not favourites; everyone knew it. However, the comparison with Inter is not entirely accurate because Manchester City don’t play at home and Simone Inzaghi can rely on a full team,” he said.
“Pep Guardiola has an incredible team, but Inter have a chance. My Chelsea side taught that with motivation everything is possible.”
So, how can you lift the trophy despite not being favourites?
“You go to church with the whole team and pray…jokes aside, motivation makes the difference and we had it. We were not fully fit but convinced we could make it. Inter have the same spirit, they don’t look like a scared team.
“Guardiola is more than a coach, he is a visionary, but he knows how competitive Italians are and fears us,” continued Di Matteo.
“Playing against him is challenging. He puts quality into every system and he changes when you don’t expect it. Before the 2012 semifinal, we watched dozens of Barcelona’s games, trying to understand his weak points. We thought about every possible solution. The result was always the same: it was impossible they would have won. But then, what you put on paper changes in reality.
“We knew how to defend and we had a champion like Didier Drogba. Inzaghi also has an organised team. Of course, they must know they won’t keep the ball much and must sacrifice, hurting them every time they have a chance.”
Which Inter players can make the difference in Istanbul?
“I like Lautaro and Barella so much. They have an engine for the Premier League, they are two threats for Man City.
“But Inter’s Drogba is my Lukaku. I knew him when he was 19 at Chelsea and I was Villas Boas’ assistant. I can say that if he’s fit he can break the world. He’s a beast and he never stops and he seems fit now…”
The Belgian is on loan from Chelsea and will return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the month. Mauricio Pochettino is willing to offer him a new chance at Chelsea, but Lukaku seems to prefer staying with the Nerazzurri.
“I don’t really know what happened with Tuchel and I don’t know what Chelsea will decide,” admitted Di Matteo.
“Surely in life, everyone must do what makes them happy.”
Di Matteo concluded the interview by naming the most dangerous Manchester City star for Inter.
“Haaland is extraordinary but Man City’s engine is De Bruyne. He is humble, and he’s not aware of how strong he is, but in the Final, you can stop anyone, even this Kevin.”