Simone Inzaghi has insisted that Inter will show no fear against Milan in the semi-final of the Champions League, which gets underway at San Siro on Wednesday night.
The Inter coach told the media at his pre-match press conference that the Nerazzurri have prepared for the European derby in the best possible way after recording three emphatic wins in succession against Lazio, Hellas Verona and Roma in Serie A in recent weeks.
Inter’s are also unbeaten in the knock-out stages of the Champions League this season and Inzaghi believes that his side’s form in the competition should provide an added level of confidence.
“The last few games, including the semi-final and final qualifiers, have prepared us in the best possible way,” he said in Milan on Tuesday afternoon. “Tomorrow we know it’s a Champions League semi-final, it’s a derby, it’s the derby. We all know how important it is for all of us and we want to deal with it in the best way.
“We’ll have to use our head and heart, a lot. As for our heart, I have no doubts. We’ll have to be wise with our heads, there will be dangerous moments and unpredictable events during the game, knowing that we will have to play 180 minutes in the tie.
“We know what derbies mean, we’ve played seven in these twenty months. We’ve won and lost, but we know that each match is unique.”
The major talking point heading into the tie is the availability of Milan’s Rafael Leao, although Inzaghi remains adamant that his potential absence has not had an affect on the way Inter have prepared for the game.
He explained: “We all know the qualities of the player. We know that he may or may not be there, clearly we will take some precautions but ultimately it will not change our game plan.”
“I’m not certain like you (that Leao won’t be involved), I’ve said it before. We know him, we know his qualities, and in these games every player who is called upon will give everything.”
Assessing Wednesday night’s opponents, Inzaghi believes any previous form against Milan is irrelevant heading into the Champions League semis.
“Milan are a quality team,” he said. “Very well trained. Each match is a story in itself, we know that they are not only a comeback team, but they know how to play.
“Favourites or not, we have seen it all before. We won’t shy away from the challenge and we know that with heart and head we will play in the best possible way.”