Former Inter and Shakhtar Donetsk manager Mircea Lucescu has shared his belief that the Ukrainian side will be difficult opponents for Inter in their Champions League group stage clash on Tuesday evening in Kyiv.

“Shakhtar have continued with their philosophy. The president loves football, they have continuity in what they do,” Lucescu explained in an interview with Italian radio station Radio Anch’io Lo Sport, on Monday morning.

“In recent years they have signed very talented Brazilian players and they are growing. They have waited a bit too long to change the old guard. but those who have come in are very good.

“They are fast, they have great build-up play, they all play with one touch. They don’t have the same experience as the Nerazzurri, but it will be difficult for Inter.”

Shakhtar Donetsk surprisingly won their Champions League group stage opener away to group B favourites Real Madrid last week whilst Inter had to settle for a draw at home to Borussia Monchengladbach.

Inter and Shakhtar Donetsk last played against one another as recently as August when they faced off in last season’s Europe League semi final. On that particular night, Inter ran out comfortable 5-0 winners over the Ukrainian powerhouses.

The match at the Kyiv Olympic Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 18:55 CET. The two sides will meet again in the group stage on the final match day on December 9.