“Inter Must Be Inter” – Ex-Man City Striker Wants Display Of Strong Character In Champions League Semifinal Against AC Milan

Ahead of the widely-anticipated first-leg battle in the Champions League Semifinal against AC Milan, Inter Milan striker Edin Dzeko calls for a show of character.

The Bosnian spoke to the UEFA channel in a preview for Wednesday’s big showdown. The Rossoneri will be the official hosts in the first leg, while the Nerazzurri will act as the home side for the return fixture on May 16.

For his part, the 37-year-old says he feels calm ahead of the grand occasion, while explaining how Derby encounters are more heated in Italy compared to England.

“I feel calm. They will be two spectacular matches. Italy, and the city of Milan in particular, should be proud to have two clubs from the same city playing in the Champions League semi-final,” said Dzeko as reported by FcInterNews.

“The stakes are high, as playing the final in Istanbul would be incredible. Derbies have many things in common.

“Maybe in Manchester I didn’t feel it as much as I feel it here in Italy. Roma against Lazio and Milan against Inter are important matches.

“People talk about it before and after the games. Italian fans consider winning a derby more important than any other league match, especially in Rome, but also here in Milan.

In his pre-match battle cry, the former Man City star calls his teammates to showcase Inter Milan’s character in what could well be the club’s most important encounter in recent years.

“Inter must be Inter, especially in the Champions League. We got to the semi-finals beating good teams, teams that are at the top of their leagues and have had success in the past.

“Based on our league position, other clubs probably thought we would be eliminated much earlier. Yet, we remained focused on the goal game after game, we have reached this point and we have no intention of stopping here.

“Milan is a strong club that has earned the right to be in the semifinals. I expect two games full of emotions, where both teams will give their all to reach the final.

“We know Milan and they know us, so we won’t be surprised and neither will they. We are strong and have all the qualities to win, but we still have to do our best.

“San Siro is always spectacular. I’m sure it will give us the strength to reach the final, especially in the second leg.”