Legendary former Inter defender Beppe Bergomi feels that Inter must take advantage of set piece opportunities when they face Liverpool this evening.
Speaking to Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, Bergomi emphasized the importance of making the most of dead balls in the Champions League tie.
Set pieces have been an important route to goal for Inter this season, with the deliveries of Hakan Calhanoglu in particular as well as the height, strength, and heading technique throughout the squad meaning that the team is always dangerous from corners and free kicks.
Liverpool are a strong defensive side, and are unlikely to allow many opportunities over the course of the tie, so the Nerazzurri will have to be clinical with the chances that do come their way.
Bergomi identified set pieces as one area in which Inter could have a real advantage over the English side which they could exploit.
“First of all, take advantage of set piece situations,” he said. “The two central defenders for the Reds have great physicality, but the rest of the team does not, while Inzaghi has excellent headers of the ball in his team.”
“They must take free kicks and corners well to take advantage of the difference in height,” he emphasized.
He also made the point that “There is no need to be afraid. Inter also played good football in the first match against Real and can do it again. Hoping that the result will be different.”
Bergomi also noted that “The Nerazzurri can take advantage of the flanks in particular – if Perisic and Dumfries stay high and push up, they can put the Liverpool full-backs in trouble, as they’re better going forwards and crossing than defending.”
On the loss of Nicolo Barella to suspension, he noted that “Nicolo would have been comfortable heres because there’s no other player with his characteristics in the squad – he combines tackling and interceptions, setting the tempo, good energy.”
“Inter will have to be good at withstanding the pressure of the English team without losing their quality in possession,” he added. “If they succeed, they can open up dangerous routes forward.”
Of midfielder Arturo Vidal, expected to start in place of Barella, he said that “I trust in Vidal’s experience and I hope that he plays with humility.”
“Many times he wants to try too much in possession tries things that are not really his forte,” he added.
“If he takes the pitch in a way that’s really classic Vidal and is more decisive in the tackle, ready to run to help his teammates and makes well-timed runs, he can be useful,” Bergomi went on.