Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella feels that whilst the Nerazzurri have respect for Champions League final opponents Man City, they don’t fear them.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster RSI, via FCInterNews, the 26-year-old gave his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s final.
Inter will know full well what they’re up against when they take on Premier League champions Manchester City.
The Cityzens have been one of the outstanding teams in all of Europe this season. In the eyes of many, Pep Guardiola’s men are the single most formidable side in all of world football.
Accordingly, there’s no doubt that Inter will treat Saturday’s match with the seriousness that it deserves.
On the other hand, the Nerazzurri have also shown how formidable they can be on the way to the final.
Wins over Barcelona, Porto, Benfica, and AC Milan have demonstrated what this Inter team can do.
Nicolo Barella Opens Up Ahead Of Man City Showdown
Nerazzurri midfielder Barella said that “I didn’t imagine playing in a Champions League final, even though I obviously hoped for it.”
“The truth is that I’ve always believed in it,” he continued. “I’ve always had the support of the fans who’ve believed in me, both at Inter and at Cagliari.”
Looking back to the 2010 Champions League victory by Inter, Barella said that “I have many relatives who are Nerazzurri fans. We all watched the match together at my uncle’s house.”
“I obviously remember Milito’s goals,” the Inter midfielder said. “It was a wonderful evening for Inter and for all the fans.”
Comparing Saturday’s match to the EURO 2020 final and the Europa League final in 2020, Barella remarked that “Every match has its own story.”
“We’ll try to write the story of this one in the best way,” he continued.
“Obviously we hope it ends up like the EURO final,” Barella went on. “And not like the Europa League final.”
Barella also spoke about the quality that Inter have in midfield ahead of Saturday’s match in Istanbul.
“Just to name a few, we have Brozovic who’s played in a World Cup final,” he said. “We have Mkhitarian who’s played at the highest level. We have Calhanoglu.”
“Therefore we have experience, quality, we have everything.”
Barella made clear that “We don’t fear our opponents. Even if we respect them, as it should be.”