Inter Vice-President Javier Zanetti feels that the Nerazzurri have complete respect for the quality of Benfica, but nevertheless believe that they can progress from their Champions League quarterfinal tie.

Speaking to Argentine broadcaster Madero Sports, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri Vice-President gave his thoughts ahead of the tie against the Portuguese league leaders, and also explained that the form of Lautaro Martinez is seen as payoff for a long-term investment by the club.

Inter may well have gotten a more favourable draw on paper in the form of Benfica in the next round of the Champions League than they would’ve if they’d found themselves up against a team like Manchester City, Real Madrid, or Bayern Munich.

However, there will be no underestimating the high-flying Portuguese league leaders, who have already knocked Juventus out of the competition and managed two impressive draws against Paris Saint-Germain.

“It’ll be tough,” Zanetti said of the matches against Benfica. “We have to respect them, but we have the weapons needed to play two great matches and get through.”

“We know it wont’t be easy, the Champions League is a competition where the details matter, but I’m confident that we can prepare for the tie at our best and reach the next round.”

And of Martinez’s growth at Inter, Zanetti said that “When we signed him, our idea was that he would eventually become the player we see now.”

“We weren’t hoping for an immediate result, but rather that we’d get there in 4-5 years.”

“That was our vision, and he’s proving to be a point of reference point both at club level and in the national team,” Zanetti said of the striker.

“He’s grown a lot, he’s matured,” the Vice-President added. “We’re very happy with his growth.”