Former Juventus striker Ian Rush believes Liverpool will beat Inter in the Champions League and praises Thomas Tuchel for dropping Romelu Lukaku after his controversial interview with Sky Sport Italia.
Inter have qualified for the Champions League round of 16 for the first time in ten years and have been paired with the Reds in the first round of the knock-out phase.
The Nerazzurri will host Jurgen Klopp’s side at the Stadio Meazza on February 16 and visit the Reds at Anfield Road on March 3.
“Two great teams, two great histories, by the way, Liverpool are playing really well at the moment as a team,” said Rush as quoted by Calciomercato.com.
“Playing an Italian team is always difficult to score, but Liverpool have a front three that will score goals. It will be a difficult game, but I can see Liverpool coming out on top.”
The Nerazzurri have adapted to life after Romelu Lukaku’s exit as they are the Serie A table leaders and have lost only one league game this season.
Lukaku’s replacement Edin Dzeko is Inter’s best scorer so far. The Belgian striker caused controversy last month by admitting that he was sorry for the way he left Inter, hoping that he would return to the club one day.
Chelsea boss Tuchel had dropped him for the game against Liverpool and reintroduced the striker after his apology.
“There’s no one bigger than the club, that’s what it is all about,” said Rush.
“The club comes first and I thought it was an excellent decision by him [Tuchel] to drop him. Lukaku will come back stronger and better. Lukaku has learned his lesson.
“If there are individuals that think they are better than the team, that creates problems but I think the coaches nailed it, it was an excellent choice from him.”