Inter director Beppe Marotta hails the ‘experience’ this side has accrued over the years, the tactical intelligence of Simone Inzaghi and warns Atletico Madrid ‘now have quality players.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The second leg of this Champions League Round of 16 tie will be at the Wanda Metropolitano on March 13.
“This is a squad that has been largely together for many years, gaining a great deal of experience over difficult periods, and that is one of the great strengths of this side, as well as the sense of belonging and the tactical intelligence of a great coach who has been on his own growth process,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“These are the components that bode well for the future of this team.”
The Inter bus was 10 minutes late to San Siro, as it had to crawl through crowds of supporters outside the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza before making it to the underground car park.
“It was only 10 minutes, there was a lot of traffic and I heard reports of some scuffles in the crowd, but it did not affect our schedule.”
Diego Simeone has always been known for his defend and counter approach to football, but Marotta assures that is out of date with the current Colchoneros.
“The quality of their passing is the biggest concern, which is not what we were accustomed to over the years from Atletico Madrid, who tended to defend and counter. They now have quality players and I expect a wonderful game of football.”
Inter finished second in their Champions League group behind Real Sociedad, but are arguably the favourites in this Round of 16, having reached the Final last season against Manchester City.
They are also nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table with a game in hand, to be played against Atalanta on February 28.
#ChampionsLeague | #InterAtleticoMadrid, #Marotta: "Credo che l'esperienza sia il vero valore di questa squadra"https://t.co/fGcpKqYclI
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) February 20, 2024