Inter Vice-President Javier Zanetti believes that there’s no doubt that the quarterfinal tie against Benfica in the Champions League will be tough, but he expects the Nerazzurri to do everything to play for their place in the next round.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri Vice-President also gave his thoughts on what Benfica defender Nicolas Otamendi being out for the first leg will potentially mean.

Inter have learned the identity of their opponent for the quarterfinal stage of the Champions League.

Having overcome reigning Portuguese champions Porto in the last round, the Nerazzurri will face another Portuguese team in the former of current league leaders Benfica.

Given the Lisbon-based side’s high-flying form in the league as well as their performances in Europe thus far this season, Inter will have every reason not to underestimate them despite not being a bigger name like Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.

“Benfica are a strong side, but that’s the case for every team that you meet at this stage of the competition,” Zanetti said.

Regarding the fact that Inter against Benfica had been a great European Cup final in the 1960s, the Inter Vice-President reflected that “I remember well how when I arrived at Inter, Facchetti and Mazzola told me the story of Grande Inter, and the feat of winning against Benfica.”

“Now we’re here, we hope to honour the importance of these quarterfinals and semifinals in the right way,” he added.

Of the suspension of Otamendi for the first leg in Lisbon, Zanetti said that “He showed [what an important player he is] at the World Cup.”

“He has great character and experience,” the Inter Vice-President said of the former Manchester City and Valencia defender, “his absence will be big for them.”

“It could give us an advantage, but we can’t switch off and we must give complete attention to the rest of their team.”

“They have a lot of quality, and players who can create something out of nothing,” Zanetti said of Benfica.

“We’ll play for it, and we’ll prepare in the best way possible.”