Former Porto and Atalanta midfielder Costinha feels that Inter must not underestimate what Porto can do in the Champions League.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the Champions League winner with Porto under Jose Mourinho noted that the Portuguese champions have very recently eliminated Juventus from the same stage at which they’re set to meet Inter.
The Nerazzurri will have undoubtedly felt that they dodged the bullet of potentially facing Manchester City, Real Madrid, or Chelsea when they drew Porto for the Champions League round of sixteen.
However, the path that the Portuguese team have taken to top a group containing Club Brugge, Bayer Leverkusen, and Atletico Madrid has been an impressive one that shows how formidable they are.
Moreover, Porto’s record in Europe against big Italian sides in recent seasons has shown exactly how much of a threat they can be to Inter.
Asked which of the two teams should be happier with the draw, Costinha replied “Neither.”
“Porto will know that they’re facing players of higher quality and more experience at this level, from Dzeko to Barella, from Lautaro to Calha,” he continued.
“I understand that Inter rejoiced because they could have come up against Guardiola or Ancelotti,” he continued.
“Compared to them, Porto is a step down.”
“But woe to anyone who underestimates the DNA of that team,” he continued. “Do you remember how they eliminated Ronaldo’s Juve?”
Asked who on this Porto team Inter should most fear, Costinha replied “The striker Taremi, who everyone knows, he scores loads of goals.”
“But also look at who’s playing alongside him, the Brazilian Evanilson, and keep an eye on Galeno.”
