Legendary Inter attacker Alessandro Altobelli has recalled the matches he played in for Inter versus Real Madrid ahead of tonight’s match between the two sides in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

“Why did we always get beat? Simple that Real Madrid side was very strong but they were also helped by the referees,” he explained in an interview with Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, which appeared in today’s print edition of the Milan based news outlet.

“I remember the 5-1 return leg after we had won 3-1 in the first leg at San Siro. They massacred me, Sanchis targeted me. First a blow to the ankle, then to the knee. I was forced to go off, with a swollen leg but the referees pretended not to see.”

In that match he was denied a penalty and was also denied a penalty in their 1983 Cup Winners’ Cup meeting and he went on to add: “I don’t even think about it, you couldn’t even protest. You had to forget it and go on which is too bad.

“Some of my teammates felt pressure and that was our weak point and Real Madrid knew how to hit us well. Did I feel the pressure? No, I was excited. I scored in all competitions and at any level, it must mean something.”

Altobelli, who is one of Inter’s best ever strikers, was then asked whether Inter’s current strike force of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez could have been good in the games he referenced above.

“Let’s put it this way, they are different eras, I played with Rummenigge, I don’t know if I understand the idea but I have no doubts. If I have to choose the strongest partnership of an Italian team, I want Inter’s, even more so than Ronaldo and Morata.

“Lukaku can do everything. I am crazy about Lautaro, he is even better than the Belgian even if he scores less. They complement each other, they have a good feeling with one another.”

Alotbelli was then asked about why this Inter side are still failing to convince and he responded: “The squa is very well equipped but it seems to me to be a blocked team, almost afraid to express itself. I believe that the players must take more responsibility and try play more. I think of Hakimi, seeing him like this saddens me.”

In conclusion he was asked for a prediction for tonight’s match between the two sides that will be played at Inter’s stadium, San Siro.

“Inter will win, I’m sure of it because they have more reasons to and because they are facing the most beatable Real Madrid of recent times.”