Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni is expecting a tough match against Benfica tomorrow, but also one in which the Nerazzurri can have their say.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the Estadio da Luz, via FCInterNews, the 23-year-old stressed that a lot will depend on the Nerazzurri despite the strength of Benfica.
Inter will be well aware of the challenges they face from Portuguese league-leaders Benfica.
The Lisbon-based side have been imperious in their domestic league, and in Europe they managed to top a group containing Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain before thrashing Club Brugge by a 7-1 aggregate scoreline in the round of sixteen.
From Bastoni’s perspective, though Inter can also focus on their own strengths and try to get the best out of tomorrow’s match.
“We’re in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, it will be a tough match in numerous respects,” the 23-year-old said of tomorrow’s match.
“We can expect an intense atmosphere, we’ll have to see calm and clear-headed and play our football,” he continued.
“That’s the only way that we can get results.”
Asked how much he thinks will depend on Inter tomorrow, Bastoni replied that “Like all matches, a lot depends on us, we know our value.”
“We have to go into it with the right attitude,” he added.
And asked about tactical preparations for facing Benfica tomorrow, the Nerazzurri defender said that “We studied how Benfica play in tghe offensive phase, they’re very fast and good at linking up with each other.”
“We’ll have to stay close together and compact, play for each other and run a lot,” the defender added of what the team will need to do to get the best out of tomorrow’s match.
Inter kick off at the Estadio da Luz at 21.00 tomorrow evening.