Inter Milan center-back Alessandro Bastoni feels optimistic about tonight’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona.

Speaking in the Matchday Programme via FCInterNews, Bastoni admitted a sold-out San Siro will help Inter navigate this challenge.

Expectations are sky-high ahead of this evening’s showdown.

For perspective, Inter have set a new gate receipt record for Serie A clubs in European football.

Indeed, the Italian champions have earned around €14 million from ticket sales, surpassing the previous record.

The Nerazzurri made approximately €12m when Inter and AC Milan traded tackles in the 2022/23 semi-finals.

As a result, the excitement surrounding tonight’s European classic has reached unprecedented levels.

Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi hopes to steer Inter into their second Champions League final in three years.

Alessandro Bastoni is among the pivotal components of his starting lineup as he looks to improve on a subpar first-leg showing.

Barcelona and Inter drew 3-3 at Montjuic last week, leaving the tie evenly poised ahead of a second-leg decider.

Inter Milan Star Alessandro Bastoni Underlines San Siro Fans Importance Ahead of Barcelona Clash

Inter Milan Alessandro Bastoni
MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

“My little boy would be proud of what I’m doing,” Bastoni said before the match. “We must enjoy these moments and give everything.

“We have great confidence that we’ve built over the years, playing in a final and winning many trophies.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm and a strong desire to get onto the pitch and play our game,” he continued.

“Having San Siro full, with the fans singing for us, will give us a huge boost, especially when we may be feeling a bit tired during the match.

“But once we’re on the field, it’s always 11 against 11, so we’ll need to keep our heads cool and sharp to make the right decisions.”

Inter will be out to extend their jaw-dropping 16-game unbeaten home streak in the Champions League.