Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni has underlined how important a win against Partizan Belgrade would be in Thursday’s Europa League tie.
The Nerazzurri are joint top of Group H with Rubin Kazan after picking up four points from their two games so far.
Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni has underlined how important a win against Partizan Belgrade would be in Thursday’s Europa League tie.
The Nerazzurri are joint top of Group H with Rubin Kazan after picking up four points from their two games so far.
“Tomorrow's match is key because if we win we can take a big step towards qualifying and that would allow us to make changes for our remaining group games,” the tactician stated.
“We'll approach the game with a hungry side who will take our opponents seriously.
“We're expecting a team in good health, who are top of their League with eight wins and just one defeat – which came right at the start of the season.
“They've got talented young players. We respect Partizan, we know it'll be a tough game.”
Inter are in decent shape in Serie A given that they are joint third in the table, just four points behind leaders Juventus.
“We're working well at the moment, we saw that on Sunday,” Strama added. “We're relaxed and keeping our feet on the ground.
“We have it in our minds to work hard and improve game by game without taking any notice of the League table or our aims, which could distract us from our main goal which is hard graft.”
Wesley Sneijder is back in training after injury, but the young Coach is in no rush to throw the Dutchman back into the side.
“I like what I've seen from him, he's highly motivated,” the former Primavera boss added. “He wants to get back as quickly as possible, he's getting restless but, as you know, players will only return if they're 100 per cent.
“I don't like to rush anyone back. He had his first tests with Dr Combi yesterday and, when he's available for selection, then we'll talk about his return to action.”
Inter squad – Goalkeepers: 1 Handanovic, 27 Belec, 32 Cincilla.
Defenders: 4 Zanetti, 6 Silvestre, 23 Ranocchia, 25 Samuel, 40 Juan Jesus, 42 Jonathan, 44 Bianchetti, 55 Nagatomo.
Midfielders: 14 Guarin, 16 Mudingayi, 19 Cambiasso, 21 Gargano, 31 Pereira.
Forwards: 7 Coutinho, 8 Palacio, 22 Milito, 88 Livaja, 99 Cassano.