Inter Vice-President Javier Zanetti has confidence that coach Simone Inzaghi will have the team well-prepared for the Nerazzurri’s Champions League quarterfinal tie against Benfica next month.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset after the quarterfinal draw was made, via FCInter1908, the Nerazzurri Vice-President stressed that he expects the coach to get the details right and the team to be switched-on and focused when they face the Portuguese side.
Whist Inter may have gotten an “easier” draw on paper than if they had been drawn against Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City, the reality is that this Benfica side have already shown how formidable they can be for any opponent in Europe.
Apart from their sparkling form domestically to lead the Liga Nos table, the Lisbon-based team have already topped a tough group containing Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, whilst they thrashed Club Brugge 7-1 on aggregate to reach the quarterfinals.
“I’m sure that Inzaghi will prepare for the matches in the best way possible,” Zanetti said, “we’ll need to get the details right and stay focused.”
Regarding some of the Nerazzurri’s evident lapses in concentration this season, the Vice-President suggested that “They’ve mainly happened in matches away from home, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about it with the coach and with the guys.”
“You can’t afford those lapses in the Champions League,” he continued, “let’s hope that we can earn a place in the semifinals after some time without being there.”
“Then, we’ll see what happens in the tie between Milan and Napoli.”
“Already having three teams in the quarterfinals is great for Italian football,” Zanetti added, “and now let’s hope that one can go all the way.”
