Inter Coach Roberto Mancini expects a 'very good' team in his next opponent Celtic, whilst adding that Scottish football is 'on the rise'.
The Nerazzurri will test themselves against the leading force in the Scottish Premiership tomorrow evening in the Europa League's Round of 32, and the former Sampdoria striker is aware of the dangers of his opponents.
“Celtic are a very good team, who play a strong passing game,” he said in today's Press conference.
Inter Coach Roberto Mancini expects a 'very good' team in his next opponent Celtic, whilst adding that Scottish football is 'on the rise'.
The Nerazzurri will test themselves against the leading force in the Scottish Premiership tomorrow evening in the Europa League's Round of 32, and the former Sampdoria striker is aware of the dangers of his opponents.
“Celtic are a very good team, who play a strong passing game,” he said in today's Press conference.
“It's going to be a tough game, as they have some good players.
“I think their best option is to be true to their game. Scottish football is on the rise, so they could win a few trophies.
“I'm familiar with Celtic and they have several strong players.
Celtic Coach Ronny Deila had a close relationship with Mancini, even to the point of studying him back when the Italian worked with Manchester City.
“I remember that very well, it happened only a few years ago.
“He's young, but he's an excellent manager who knows how to get his team to play.
“But to be honest I can't remember what we told each other.
“Many young Coaches studied my training sessions with City. For Deila, it must have been an important experience.
“It's predictable that Celtic should count on their supporters, but I think that if we want to improve then this is a fundamental step.
“The pitch is identical for everyone, so the atmosphere will provide us with an extra incentive too."
Finally, the 50-year-old commented on his squad's condition.
“We have only two players out with injury, [Danilo] D'Ambrosio and [Marco] Andreolli. Everyone else is here.
“I hope Mateo [Kovacic] will have a great night as he has important qualities and he can be decisive in a game like this.
“But I hope it will be a great night for all of us in general, not just for him.
“I'm proud of Coaching Inter and happy to dispute this match.
“The atmosphere we can expect will be extraordinary, the type we no longer have in Italy.
“And I'll be even prouder if we can make our supporters happy.
“[Nemanja] Vidic has been dealing with some physical trouble since the game against Sassuolo.
“Now he's been training with the rest of the team for the past five, six days and he should be fine.
“Even if he doesn't play from the very first minute, he can be useful mid-game.”