Italian tennis superstar Fabio Fognini has shared his thoughts and feelings ahead of his beloved Inter taking on Barcelona tonight in the Champions League.
“Barcelona are always a great team and we can only hope that they do not take the match too seriously. Regardless, it will be a very hard match,” he said in an interview with Milanese newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It is natural to think that Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez can make the difference but I believe that the midfielders will play a decisive role in the result. They will have to play equal with Barcelona and it will not be easy for them.”
Fognini then shared his views on the absence of Lionel Messi from the Barcelona squad.
“On the one hand, I am a football lover and I always hope to see the best on the field such as Lionel Messi. On the other hand, as an Inter fan, it is undeniable that him not playing is an advantage but there will still be champions like Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann playing.”
He then spoke further on Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku.
“Spalletti did not let Lautaro play. When he did play, he was good and he waited for his chance. He is playing great and I am happy that he is doing it for Inter.
“Lukaku? How can you be surprised by him? He has already played for a top club and everyone knew about him before he arrived in Milan.”
Fognini also spoke on Inter manager Antonio Conte.
“He is a top manager and is proving that at Inter. He has changed the team and turned things upside down.”
In conclusion he downplayed the idea that Inter can win the Serie A title.
“We need to slow down and keep the feet on the ground. Juventus are still on another planet.”
