Inter boss Simone Inzaghi confirms Juan Cuadrado will be available against Benfica but believes the Nerazzurri’s group is balanced: ‘Real Sociedad and Newcastle were the clubs to avoid in pot four.’
Inzaghi joined Hakan Calhanoglu at a pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash between the Nerazzurri and Benfica at the Stadio Meazza.
“It will be a challenging game which we must play with high intensity,” Inzaghi said as quoted by FcInternews.
“Benfica have won all games except one, just like us. They have the same principles as last season. They lost the first Champions League game but had many chances despite being down to ten men, they deserved a different result.
“Benfica have a new keeper and Di Maria. They have changed some players, but they have the same principles. We know we’ll need an intense match.”
RB Salzburg beat the Portuguese side two weeks ago, while Inter collected a 1-1 draw away at Real Sociedad. Although the Nerazzurri and Benfica are the Group D favourites to qualify for the Round of 16, Salzburg and Real Sociedad have proved to be challenging opponents.
“The group is balanced, Real Sociedad was one of the clubs to avoid in pot four alongside Newcastle and we experienced why,” noted Inzaghi.
Juan Cuadrado will be available tomorrow, but both Stefano Sensi and Davide Frattesi are still injured.
“Cuadrado trained today and he will be called up. I must still decide who will start,” confirmed Inzaghi.
“We have missed him and I’ll count on him in the next few games.
“Sensi and Frattesi are out. Sensi will be back after the break and we are assessing Frattesi, hoping he’ll be available against Bologna. There was hope for this game but, together with my staff members, we decided to postpone his return.”
On Sunday, Lautaro scored four goals as a substitute against Salernitana, so Inzaghi was asked how El Toro has developed over the last few years.
“He was fantastic in the first two seasons with me and he’s doing even better now. He puts in maximum commitment and sense of belonging every day.”
However, Inzaghi disagreed with Arrigo Sacchi that his Inter side strongly rely on single players rather than collective play.
“We have different views, but everyone can say his opinion,” argued the Nerazzurri coach.
“I am satisfied with my path. We’ve done good things in two and a half years and always give our all to this club.”
Lastly, Inzaghi was asked his thoughts on Benfica President and Serie A legend Manuel Rui Costa.
“A great opponent and my brother’s teammate at Milan. I have not spent a lot of time with Rui, but it is always a pleasure to talk about football with him,” the Nerazzurri boss concluded.