Inter director Beppe Marotta warns the squad ‘must not’ be distracted by the Champions League tie with FC Porto, as tonight’s Serie A game with Spezia ‘presents the same dangers.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Alberto Picco at 19.45 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The Nerazzurri are torn between focusing on the opportunity to shore up second place in Serie A and preparing for Tuesday’s Champions League Round of 16 tie against FC Porto, having won the first leg 1-0 at San Siro.
Speaking to DAZN, Marotta was asked if there was the risk even subconsciously that Inter players could be distracted by their European schedule.
“That must not happen. Clearly, Tuesday’s appointment is extremely important, as the Champions league is the biggest competition for any club, but we must also not forget that Spezia present the same dangers and importance.
“It will be a very different atmosphere in Oporto, but the dangers remain the same.”
Over the next few weeks, Inter will face Spezia, FC Porto in the Champions League and then Juventus in the Coppa Italia semi-final, all potentially crucial results for the future of the club and coach Simone Inzaghi.
“We should be proud to be playing in so many different competitions against top opponents, but the players also realise this is an historic club with a jersey that needs to be honoured, so aside from the value of each opponent, there is also a motivational aspect that needs to be backed to the maximum.”