Inter Coach Luciano Spalletti warned Eintracht Frankfurt have “typically German strikers and want a high tempo with physical clashes,” while he has “no time” to think about Mauro Icardi.
The first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 kicks off at the Frankfurt Stadion on Thursday at 17.55 GMT.
“This is one of those nights we must know how to grasp, because life moves quickly,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
Inter Coach Luciano Spalletti warned Eintracht Frankfurt have “typically German strikers and want a high tempo with physical clashes,” while he has “no time” to think about Mauro Icardi.
The first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 kicks off at the Frankfurt Stadion on Thursday at 17.55 GMT.
“This is one of those nights we must know how to grasp, because life moves quickly,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“We must go into games trying to win, to play better than our opponents, being able to show our strength and mentality. We want to prove who we are.”
While the Nerazzurri have struggled in recent weeks, Eintracht Frankfurt are still unbeaten in 2019.
“They are a team that tend to take the initiative and force their way into a game, at times not in the cleanest fashion, but they want to create a high tempo with physical clashes. When they see themselves getting pressed, they punt long balls to the strikers and rely on their height and strength to create chances.
“These are ‘typically German’ centre-forwards with their power and mentality. We must be able to match them on those qualities.”
Not only is Icardi still unavailable, even after today’s meeting between Inter director Beppe Marotta and the striker’s agent Wanda Nara, but Radja Nainggolan has also joined the injury list.
“When you lose a player to injury, it is always disappointing,” continued Spalletti.
“It happens over the course of a campaign that you have to do without some figures. I read about the meeting with Icardi, but I was preparing the training session, so I really don’t have time to think about this. My mind is full of thoughts about the game.”