Simone Inzaghi believes Inter‘s win against Napoli will help the Nerazzurri in tomorrow’s Champions League clash against Shakhtar: ‘It boosted our self-esteem.’
The Serie A champions moved four points close to leaders Napoli and Milan with a 3-2 win over Luciano Spalletti’s side on Sunday.
Tomorrow, they meet Shakhtar in a key Champions League clash. It kicks off at 17.45 UK time at the Stadio Meazza in Milan.
The Nerazzurri can qualify for the last 16 with a game to spare if they win against Roberto De Zerbi’s side and Sheriff don’t beat Real Madrid.
“I think we played a great game on Sunday, we beat Napoli, who have the best defence in Europe,” Inzaghi said at a press conference.
“The victory against Napoli can boost our self-confidence because we had never beaten a top team before. It was a great test of maturity and character from the boys.”
Inter were held to a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture in Ukraine in September. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have only collected one point in four Champions League games, while Inter have seven, one more than third-placed Sheriff.
“We know it’s all in our hands tomorrow,” said Inzaghi.
“After the two victories against Sheriff we are there. We know we face a team with a great coach. They created trouble for us in the reverse fixture.
“We created many opportunities in the first leg. I remember Barella hit the crossbar. Lautaro and Dzeko had good opportunities as well. I think you have to be worried when you don’t create chances. Shakhtar had more possession, but didn’t create as many chances as us.
“I know Shakhtar very well, I have often played against their coach and he managed to quickly convey his concepts to a very technical team with excellent players.”
Stefan De Vrij and Alexis Sanchez are injured, but Inzaghi hopes to recover all the other players who are not 100 per cent fit.
“Surely, De Vrij and Sanchez are out of action, I hope that everyone else will recover,” said Inzaghi.
“Barella and Correa asked to be replaced on Sunday and Dzeko was not fully fit.
“We know it’s a decisive game tomorrow, because the last one is in Madrid, we will try to prepare for this match in the best way.
“We are doing a good job, we are improving but the path is still long. I was lucky to find a great environment that has welcomed me very well from day one.”
After beating Napoli there is no excuse to drop points against Shaktar AT HOME ! Anything less than a win is a complete failure – now try to do somehting that has not been done since prescription – try winning 3 champions League games at the group stage