Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi has called on his players to quickly put behind them the disappointment of a challenging week as they prepare for their crucial Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona on Wednesday. The Nerazzurri are facing one of their most significant challenges of the season, and Inzaghi emphasized the importance of resetting mentally and focusing on the high-stakes match ahead.
Inter Milan arrives at the semi-final clash in the midst of a tough run of form. The club has suffered three consecutive losses, including an unexpected elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of their bitter rivals AC Milan, followed by two successive defeats in Serie A that allowed Napoli to leapfrog them at the top of the table. With their hopes of winning a treble now dashed, Inzaghi acknowledged the recent struggles but stressed that the team’s focus must immediately shift to the task at hand.
“Forget everything about the last week,” Inzaghi told reporters in his pre-match press conference. “This group has achieved extraordinary things over the last four years, and a tough few days doesn’t erase that. We’re still here competing, and we have another massive challenge ahead of us.”
Inzaghi, who famously guided Inter Milan to the Champions League final in 2023, also took time to highlight the formidable challenge posed by Barcelona. The Spaniards, currently led by manager Hansi Flick, are in excellent form, having recently secured a Copa del Rey victory and maintained their position as leaders in La Liga. Inzaghi did not hold back in praising Barcelona's strengths, calling them “probably the best team in the world right now” due to their current form and success. However, the Inter boss made it clear that his team would show “maximum respect, but no fear” as they approach the game with full confidence in their own abilities.
Barcelona’s aggressive pressing game and their exceptional technical discipline were pointed out as key threats to Inter’s hopes of advancing. Still, Inzaghi was firm in his belief that his squad is more than capable of competing at the highest level. He referenced their impressive knockout-stage win over Bayern Munich as proof of Inter’s ability to handle the pressure and compete against elite teams on the biggest stage.
In terms of team news, Inter will be missing defender Benjamin Pavard for the encounter, which adds an extra layer of challenge for the Milan-based side. However, forward Marcus Thuram is expected to make a return to the lineup, potentially partnering with Lautaro Martínez in attack. Despite recent setbacks, Martínez remained resolute in his statement to the media, emphasizing the team’s unity and determination as they prepare for what he described as “a special chance.” The Argentine forward stated, “We’re united, strong, and ready. This is a special chance, and we want to take Inter back to the final.”
The first leg of the semi-final will take place on Wednesday, while the second leg is scheduled for next Tuesday in Milan, promising an intense and highly anticipated encounter as the two European heavyweights clash for a place in the Champions League final.