Roberto Gagliardini has told Inter supporters to expect a ‘courageous’ performance in tonight’s Coppa Italia showdown against Juventus.

Antonio Conte’s side head into their semi-final second leg at the Allianz Stadium with a 2-1 deficit to overturn, meaning they must score at least twice if they are to stand any chance of progression to the final.

Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi are back in the XI after missing last week’s first leg while Christian Eriksen starts in midfield, replacing the suspended Arturo Vidal.

Prior to kick-off in Turin, Gagliardini told Inter TV: “It will certainly be a courageous Inter side who will fight for every ball and will try to cause Juventus problems, as we have done in both the matches we have faced them in so far.

“It will certainly be difficult but we know how to face them, we have prepared for the match well, it will be a battle on the pitch.”

Gagliardini was asked whether he and his teammates were expecting a more cautious Juventus display in this match, given Andrea Pirlo’s side are defending a lead.

“I don’t think so,” the midfielder replied.

“They are an experienced team, they know how to face these matches even if in the last two matches played we were the ones who controlled the game more.”

In conclusion, the former Atalanta player reiterated his belief that it will be a difficult match and showed confidence in himself and his teammates.

“Today it will be a difficult match as I have already said, but we have all the qualities and credentials to bring home the result.”

In a follow up interview with Rai Sport he added: “Given the result in the first leg, we know that it will be difficult.

“It is a very important game, we think we can do it.

“The return of Lukaku and Hakimi? They are important players, they have proved it.”

Gagliardini has been named among the substitutes for the match with Conte preferring Eriksen alongside Nicolo Barella and Marcelo Brozovic.

Matteo Darmian has won the battle to start at left wing-back, meanwhile, with Ivan Perisic and Ashley Young having to settle for a place on the bench.