Legendary former Nerazzurri captain Beppe Bergomi expects Inter Milan to use counterattacking tactics in the Champions League final against Man City next month in Istanbul.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, Bergomi gave his tactical prediction for the final.

Containing a team of Manchester City’s quality will be no mean feat for Inter.

The Cityzens have proven to be extremely adept at finding solutions to breaking down defenses in the Premier League and Europe all season.

Pep Guardiola can boast a squad of both great tactical quality and physicality. Moreover, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach has given City a clear tactical identity.

Under the Spaniard, City look to be one of Europe’s most organized and relentless teams. This applies both in and out of possession.

Accordingly, finding the right approach to counteract Guardiola’s team can prove next to impossible.

Bergomi: Inter Milan Will Use Defend-&-Counter Approach Vs Man City

In the view of former defender Bergomi, it is likely that Inter will look to sit deep and hit City on the break.

This was the tactic used all match against Napoli yesterday. The Nerazzurri clearly looked to utilize a counterattacking approach even before going down to ten men.

Bergomi would not be surprised if this were a dress rehearsal for how Inter will attempt to get the better of City next month.

Asked how to stop City, Bergomi replied “I don’t know how to stop them. Stopping Guardiola’s teams is difficult.”

“I know him,” he said of the City coach. “I’ve spoken to him, everyone thinks that he focuses on attacking schemes, but actually he’s focused on winning the ball back as soon as possible.”

“He suffocates the opponents in this way,” Bergomi noted.

“Inter have to be physically fit to be at their best,” he added. “They have to maintain this condition.”

Napoli Clash Could Be “Test Match” For UCL Final

Of the Nerazzurri’s match against Napoli yesterday, Bergomi said that “Today was a strange match. They played with a man down and it could also have been a test match for Manchester City.”

“However, to me they looked united when they counterattacks.”

“You have to play well in both phases,” he noted.

“If you just hit the ball long and defend it’s difficult,” Bergomi argued. “You have to build up from the back, even if it means taking risks.”

“It’s difficult, there’s certainly a team who’re favourites in Istanbul, and it is City,” Bergomi argued.