Simone Inzaghi assures Inter will not rely on their 1-0 first leg lead against an Atletico Madrid side who ‘transform’ on home turf and admits he’s dreaming of the Scudetto-Champions League Double.
The first leg ended 1-0 with a Marko Arnautovic strike at San Siro, so the decider is at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT.
It is safe to say that the Nerazzurri are in extraordinary form, winning all 13 competitive matches played in 2024.
“Without doubt, we know it will be a very difficult and important match in a stadium where Atletico won 13 and drew one this season in LaLiga. Champions League nights are special and we want to give our all to continue this journey,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia and in the press conference.
“We have a small advantage from the first leg, but will try to forget that and recognise that at times Atletico showed what they can do at San Siro as well.”
Inter are now 16 points clear at the top of the Serie A table, so considering they reached the Champions League Final last term, are they thinking about the Double?
“This is what everyone wants. Meanwhile, we got through the group stage for three years running, which was not to be taken for granted in the previous decade. We also qualified for the Club World Cup.
“However, I don’t agree with those who say this team was ‘born’ in Istanbul with last season’s Final. I see a journey we started three years ago, during which we always reached at least the Round of 16.”
Atletico Madrid famously like to defend and counter, but with the 1-0 first leg result to overturn, will it suit Inter for Diego Simeone to take a more attacking approach?
“Looking throughout the season, we’ve done well against both those who wait and defend and those who are more aggressive.
“We don’t know what Atletico will do tomorrow, they like to vary their approach, can play 3-5-2 and 4-4-2, and have players of great quality. I don’t think systems make the difference, it’s more about how the players interpret it.”
There are reports that Stefan de Vrij and Denzel Dumfries will get the nod to start rather than Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian.
“I have a few different doubts, as Acerbi returned on Saturday against Bologna and De Vrij played a lot of games in a row. Davide Frattesi has recovered well now, so I could initially start a midfielder.
“My only concern is that Arnautovic and Carlos Augusto were fundamental coming off the bench in the first leg and I won’t have them tomorrow. They would’ve given us extra options.”
Atletico Madrid should have Antoine Griezmann not only back in the squad, but potentially ready to start tomorrow.
“Atletico are transformed on home turf, there is no denying that. We all know what Atletico represent, while Cholo is a great coach, was a great teammate and remains a friend.”