Inter defender Danilo D’Ambrosio has labelled tonight’s final UEFA Champions League group stage match at home to Shakhtar Donetsk as a final for both clubs.
Both clubs can still make it through to the next stage of the competition and as far as Inter are concerned, they have to win and hope that the other group stage match between Real Madrid and Borussia Monchengladbach does not end as a draw.
“The match is a final, especially because we cannot have a different result from what we want and that is a win,” he explained in an interview with Inter’s official club broadcaster Inter TV, which was broadcast late last night.
He then spoke on what he and his teammates have to do in the match at San Siro, which is scheduled for 21:00 local time.
“We have had convincing results and performances, but this match is different from the others and we will have to be good at imposing our game.”
D’Ambrosio then went on to share some thoughts on Shakhtar Donetsk, who Inter have played a number of times in recent months.
“Even if it will be the third time we meet, each match is unique. For them too it is a final, they have excellent individuals and we will have to be careful in managing the ball and prevent them from scoring.”
In conclusion he was asked if playing in such games helps him to mature as a player.
“Being at Inter is a source of pride for me. I have grown a lot in these seven years with Inter, not only in age but also in terms of maturity.
“Games like this serve to increase the baggage, but these games are more important if you win and if you pass the group stage.”
