Inter Milan’s recent struggles do not diminish the advancements made over the past four years, according to coach Simone Inzaghi, who spoke before their Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona on Wednesday.
Following consecutive defeats to Bologna and AS Roma, and a loss to bitter rivals AC Milan in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final, Inter has slipped to second place in Serie A. This sequence of poor performances has dashed their hopes of a treble this season.
“The past week does not erase the progress we’ve made in the last four years,” Inzaghi, who has been at the helm since 2021, stated during a press conference on Tuesday.
“In the last three matches, we needed to perform better, but after four years, we find ourselves in contention for all objectives, despite some saying it would be a challenge to secure a top-four finish in Italy.”
For Inter, who will take part in the Club World Cup following the conclusion of the season, facing Barcelona offers a chance to put last week’s disappointments behind them.
“We have had a tough week, but we can and must do better,” Inzaghi remarked.
“We’re looking forward to the match tomorrow against arguably the best side in the world, the most attack-minded team that scores the most goals.
“We must be prepared to compete with tenacity if necessary. We will need to be technically sound; it will require numerous elements to overcome such a formidable opponent…
“They have remarkable statistics, having already won two titles and competing for two more. We hold them in the highest regard but feel no fear… We aim to approach this semi-final like a true Inter side tomorrow.”
Striker Marcus Thuram, Inter’s leading scorer in Serie A with 14 goals, has returned from injury, though the manager did not confirm his place in the playing squad.
“Thuram had his first training session with the team today,” Inzaghi noted.
“We haven’t seen him since the second leg against Bayern Munich. He performed well and showed positive signs, but I’ll need to assess him again tomorrow morning.
“Aside from (defender Benjamin) Pavard, all the others are available.”
Pavard was substituted just 15 minutes into their match against Roma due to an ankle injury.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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