Paolo Di Canio and Fabio Capello both agreed that Inter would rather play against Manchester City in the Champions League final rather than Real Madrid, claiming that a game against Pep Guardiola’s side would give the Nerazzurri a bigger chance at lifting the trophy.
Both cited Madrid’s experience in the competition and their current attacking unit as the main reasons why Carlo Ancelotti’s team are the toughest team left in the competition.
Di Canio admitted that City are perhaps the more tactically sound unit, but their history of falling short in the Champions League is something that would only spur Inter on.
Explaining why Madrid would be the tougher opponent, Di Canio said it was: “It’s not only for the badge, but also for the type of game that awaits them. You usually expect Real to start with Vini Jr. and Rodrygo, Benzema in attack, they know how to play football.
“It’s a team that is potentially a bit more scruffy tactically, but if they don’t give Real space, it’s Inter who will benefit. City have made the final once and lost to Chelsea who won it on counter attacks.”
Former England manager Capello agreed that City would be the slightly easier test for Simone Inzaghi’s side, believing that their back line has a tendency to let in goals despite often dominating games.
Capello also admitted he was frustrated with Guardiola for playing down his side’s abilities.
When asked what he thought of Guardiola saying that reaching the semi-final is a “great achievement” for City, Capello responded: “I’m tired of hearing this story from Guardiola come on.
“Like Inter, I would prefer the City defence. It doesn’t seem like an extraordinary defence to me, they press but they concede. Real Madrid is difficult because they never give you a look-in in the game.”