Former Italy and Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi says Pep Guardiola is aware he can make ‘no mistake’ against Inter in the Champions League Final: ‘The Nerazzurri can cause trouble to anyone.’
The Nerazzurri need one point to earn a top-four finish in Serie A this term, but, more importantly, they are preparing for a Champions League Final against Manchester City on June 10.
They are not the favourite against Pep Guardiola’s men, but Sacchi believes the Citizens’ victory should not be taken for granted.
“Italy is waking up on footballing terms,” he told Gazzetta on Friday May 26 (page 6).
“There are more and more strategists and fewer tacticians. A revolution that has started mainly thanks to the so-called smaller teams who want to play well also against the top sides.
“Inter feel well physically and the credit goes to Simone Inzaghi, a good coach and an educated man,” continued Sacchi.
“He brought the team to the top in the best moment of the season and is wise enough not to react when his players are unhappy with substitutions. He has won two trophies and the result against Man City isn’t decided yet.”
The Nerazzurri have won the Supercup and the Coppa Italia this season, meaning Inzaghi has already lifted four trophies since joining Inter in 2021. Therefore, Sacchi believes City’s win against Inter in Istanbul is not certain.
“They [Man City] have great qualities. Guardiola has woken up the group, now they attack, they move in the spaces, and they are not only based on the technique.
“But believe me, Inter have a chance because we Italians are always there in the important moments and others don’t have the same quality, which must be protected.
“If City want to win the trophy, they must earn it because Inter players can cause trouble for anyone. Guardiola knows he can make no mistake because a coach like Inzaghi would not forgive him.”
This will be Inter’s first Champions League Final since 2009-10 when they went on to lift the trophy under José Mourinho, completing a legendary treble. Inter have won the Champions League – formerly European Cup – three times in their history.