Legendarily former Inter Milan captain Beppe Bergomi believes that it’s imperative for the Nerazzurri to top their Champions Leagur group ahead of Real Sociedad.
Bergomi spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, after Inter secured their spot in the knockouts.
On the one hand, it’s job done for Inter.
Simone Inzaghi’s side are mathematically uncatchable by Benfica or Red Bull Salzburg in their Champions League group.
Therefore, there is no doubt that Inter will make their third consecutive appearance in the round of sixteen.
That means that Simone Inzaghi has guided the Nerazzurri to the knockout stage in each of his three seasons at the helm. Neither Luciano Spalletti nor Antonio Conte had done so.
But the 47-year-old former Lazio coach – who masterminded Inter’s run to last season’s final – still has the chance to do something that he has not yet done.
In each of the last two seasons, Inter have qualified for the knockouts as runners-up in their groups.
Last time around it was Bayern Munich who topped the group. Before then it was Real Madrid.
This time around, Inter are vying for top spot with Real Sociedad.
And whilst La Real have more than proven their quality this time around, they are not quite European royalty like Bayern or Madrid.
Bergomi On Why Inter Must Top UCL Group Ahead Of Real Sociedad
“Inter are a team who know what they’re capable of,” former Nerazzurri defender Bergomi said.
“In Europe they’ve set the right pace.”
“But they have to finish top of their group,” he argued.
Bergomi noted that “It’s important because all the other big teams are not slipping up. They’ll finish top of their group.”
“That’s why this season, finishing top of the group is more important than ever,” he added.
“But Inter are a team who know how to compete at this level.”
