Luis Figo has not forgotten his time at Inter and trusts his old club will win the Champions League Derby della Madonnina with Milan. ‘Lautaro Martinez will be decisive.’
The first leg of the intercity showdown is at San Siro on Wednesday evening and, unlike the last time these rivals faced off in Europe, the away goals rule has been scrapped.
“I was proud to wear the Inter jersey and I am now proud that Italian football has two semi-finalists in the Champions League, as well as Napoli who did great things in the tournament this season before being eliminated in the quarter-final,” Figo told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Anything can happen in the Milan Derby. I have played in many of them and they have all been very tight and tense affairs. I expect two wonderful matches in the semi-final.”
Figo represented the Nerazzurri from 2005 until his retirement in 2009, just missing the legendary Treble-winning season of 2009-10.
“I had a fantastic experience at Inter and hope they reach the Final,” continued the 50-year-old.
“The goal-scorers tend to be the most important figures, so I think Lautaro Martinez will be decisive. Details are crucial in the Champions League and the Argentine can be the right man. He has matured and has a strong character.”
The other semi-final also has some Italian representation, as Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are taking on Manchester City in what some are calling the early Final.
“I see City being the favourites, as Pep Guardiola’s team is one of the best in the world and have experience after losing the semi-final like that last season, although playing in Madrid you do sense their history in this tournament.”