Inter director Beppe Marotta warns they must not ‘underestimate’ RB Salzburg in the Champions League and insists European commitments need not damage their Serie A campaign.
It kicks off at San Siro at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
This is a potentially decisive match in qualification for the Round of 16, as the Nerazzurri are currently just one point clear of RB Salzburg.
That is thanks to the Austrians beating 10-man Benfica in Lisbon for the opening fixture.
“Clearly, determination and mentality are crucial elements that we need to see tonight too. We must not underestimate our opponents, who are a very good team,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
Marcus Thuram is rested today, but Davide Frattesi gets his first start in the Champions League, as Inter revamped their squad over the summer.
“We work well behind the scenes, are all united and have a strategy, so our negotiations have a certain logic to them. Piero Ausilio has been tracking Thuram for a long time, unfortunately he had an injury that meant we were not able to complete the deal earlier, but we are very happy to have signed him this summer.”
Federico Dimarco, Nicolò Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are all working on new contracts to remain with the Nerazzurri.
“I can say with great pleasure that all the players in the squad have expressed the desire to extend their contracts with us. That means the club is strong, desirable and we want to make sure the team is solid and long-lasting.”
There has been a great deal of talk about Juventus becoming Scudetto favourites because they have no European commitments, but that is not necessarily how Marotta sees it.
“Playing in a competition that fires you up is positive, but the important thing is to keep the balance on a physical and psychological level, especially when the Coppa Italia and the break for international duty comes along.
“It is much better to be in the Champions League than out of Europe. Paradoxically, it is also true that having one game per week and not risking so many injuries can be an advantage, but ultimately we still prefer to be here.”