Shakhtar Donetsk Sporting Director Darjo Srna believes that the Ukrainian side will be prepared for Inter when they meet in the Champions League group stage.
Speaking to Ukrainian news outlet UA-Football, as reported by FCInterNews, the Croatian gave the view that Shakhtar head coach Roberto De Zerbi will be familiar with the Nerazzurri’s players and style of play from his time in Serie A, and that this will allow him to set up for the match effectively.
Inter learned their fate in yesterday’s group stage draw, and will meet Shakhtar as well as Real Madrid and new boys Sheriff Tiraspol in this year’s competition.
The Nerazzurri met Shakhtar in last year’s group stage as well, but both teams have changed managers in the interim, with Inter have brought in Simone Inzaghi from Lazio, and Shakhtar having appointed former Benevento and Sassuolo boss De Zerbi.
Srna believes that this will be a major help to his club as they look to make their way past the Nerazzurri into the knockout rounds.
“Inter and Real Madrid are the same teams we met last year,” he said, “then there’s Sheriff Tiraspol. The group isn’t easy again, but as practice shows, it’s better for our club when we play with the best teams.”
He went on, “Roberto De Zerbi knows Inter well, we know Real Madrid well and Sheriff, although a rookie in the tournament, is a tough team to beat. I think it will be difficult, but, like last year, We will fight to qualify.”
“We will all be well prepared for each other,” the Director concluded, “We will play Inter for the third consecutive season. I can promise that no one will have an easy time taking points from us – we will battle everyone.”
