Inter director Beppe Marotta will not choose between the Champions League and Scudetto ahead of tonight’s Atletico Madrid clash. ‘We participate to go all the way.’
It kicks off at the Wanda Metropolitano at 20.00 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The Nerazzurri go to Spain with a 1-0 first leg lead to rely on, which was earned with a late Marko Arnautovic goal.
“Inter are a prestigious club and naturally must participate in every competition wanting to go all the way,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“It is certainly a difficult match in a tough atmosphere, as we know they can get a run of victories on home turf. However, the coach has prepared the squad in the best way and I am optimistic we can have a good performance and result here.”
Lautaro Martinez was rested at the weekend against Bologna, but Inter still managed to win that Serie A battle, other results too helping to give them a 16-point lead at the top of the table.
“The coach has a squad of great professionals and with a lot of quality at his disposal. If he made those choices against Bologna, he had his reasons. I always say there are no reserves, just a group of 24 co-starters who all deserve to play regularly.
“When there are this many fixtures and international duty as well, I think Inzaghi uses squad rotation in the best possible way.”
Considering the Scudetto looks to be all but tied up, Marotta was asked if Inter have changed their priorities from Serie A to the Champions League?
“Our duty as Inter is to achieve the best possible result in every competition. The Champions League and Serie A are two top level tournaments, we try to honour them and also maximise the final result. That was taken into account since the start of the season.”
Lautaro Martinez’s agent met with the Inter directors in the team hotel in Madrid today, sparking reports that his contract extension talks are progressing positively.
“Above all, both sides are convinced we want to continue this rapport. That bodes well for the future. Lautaro has not just grown professionally at Inter, but he is adored by our fans, he is the captain and very happy here. So it is only right at this moment of the campaign to focus on other priorities.”
Marotta was asked when President Steven Zhang will be back in the stands cheering on his squad.
“I honestly don’t know what to say about that. We hope soon, as we regularly speak to Steven in videoconferencing calls, he is close to the team and his presence always represents an added bonus. He lives the role of President with involvement and passion, so we are proud and glad to have him with us.”