Italian football manager Serse Cosmi believes the Champions League tie between Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid remains wide open.
The Italians won the first leg 1-0, but fans and observers alike are divided over who shall be considered as the favorite ahead of the season leg. It will be interesting to see what bookmakers like Parimatch in Alberta will have in store for his one.
The Nerazzurri had the upper hand over their Spanish foes on Tuesday night at San Siro. They had the bulk of the chances while their opponents failed to test Yann Sommer with a single shot on target.
However, Simone Inzaghi’s men didn’t make the most out of their opportunities. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak did well to thwart Lautaro Martinez on a few occasions.
For his part, Marko Arnautovic squandered a few glorious chances after replacing the injured Marcus Thuram.
Nevertheless, the Austrian eventually delivered the solitary goal of the first leg in the 79th minute. So it remains to be seen if it will prove sufficient to book Inter’s spot in the quarter-finals.
As for Cosmi, he insists that the Colchoneros remain a dangerous foe.
The 65-year-old argues that Diego Simeone’s men were far from their best at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.
Therefore, he expects them to produce a more convincing display at home on March 13th.
Serse Cosmi Believes Inter Milan Vs Atletico Madrid Tie Remains Up For Grabs
But at the same time, the former Perugia and Crotone coach lauds Inter for playing like a real team.
“Up until now, Inter have been playing like a real team,” said Cosmi in his interview with Radio Serie A via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“Even in the narrow victory over Atletico Madrid, the Nerazzurri demonstrated what they are capable of.
“However, this is the Champions League. So now they’re heading to Madrid and will find a solid side, perhaps different than the one they faced in the first leg.
“This is a team that possesses a lot of technical quality. It doesn’t just have the fighting spirit and solid defenses as some like to claim.
“Simeone has players who didn’t express themselves to the fullest at San Siro. But there is still a return leg to play.
“Inter gave their all, so let’s not take anything for granted. I believe the players, managers and coaches are all aware of it.”
The Nerazzurri still have to contend in four Serie A fixtures against Lecce, Atalanta, Genoa and Bologna before flying to Madrid for the return leg in Madrid.
