Inter vice president Javier Zanetti warns that ‘every team’ is difficult to face in the Champions League quarter-finals but admits Nicolas Otamendi’s suspension in the first leg is an advantage to the Nerazzurri.
The Benamata have been paired with the Portuguese giants in the Champions League quarter-finals.
“All the teams you face in the quarter-finals are tricky,” Zanetti told Sky Sport Italia.
All Italian clubs are on the same side of the draw with the winner of Inter-Benfica, meeting Milan or Napoli in the semis.
“It’s fundamental for Serie A and we are happy to represent Italian football in a big competition like the Champions League. Seeing the draw, we all have a good chance hopefully we’ll be up to the task,” noted Zanetti.
Inter won their second Champions League in 1965 in a Final against Benfica.
“These two sides have made history. When I arrived at Inter, talking to Facchetti, Suarez and Mazzola, they told me about the Final with Benfica. Now it’s our turn and we hope to reach the semi-finals,” said Zanetti.
His compatriot Otamendi will be suspended in the first leg and when Sky pundit Billy Costacurta noted that the Argentinean is a key player for Benfica, Zanetti added: “I agree, he has proved it at the World Cup. He was one of the best. He has a great personality and experience. He won’t be there in the first leg, it’s an advantage for us, but we must be careful beyond Otamendi’s absence. Surely, we’ll prepare for this match in the best way.”
The legendary defender was also shown his reaction at the moment Inter were paired with Benfica.
“I was very focused and I was sitting close to Benfica directors, so we shook hands when we saw the draw.”