FormerInter defender Daniele Adani  discussed Atalanta’s Champions League elimination to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter’s Europa League semifinals against Shakhtar Donetsk in an interview with Italian media outlet quotidiano.net yesterday.

“We are talking about the two teams that have reaped what they have sown over the course of the year. In Europe, you have to show, through your performance on the field, your courage and determination to be the heroes.

“Atalanta in the league are the team with the most identity of all, in Europe until the 90th minute they struggled to believe in the idea of the semi-final.”

He commented on how the Nerazzurri’s mentality will be different against the Ukrainian side, due to their performances so far this season.

“I think Inter have shown that they can finish on a high note, despite some decline in form they have fought at the top in Italy, while in the Europa League at this stage they have so far won deservedly.”

The Italian touched on the other teams in the Europa League semifinals.

“All four semi-finalists deserved to be there. Shakhtar are not an easy team to face, with a higher level of experience and synergy than Leverkusen. But Inter, Manchester United and Seville are all potential winners and main contenders to win.”

Finally, Adani spoke about which coach should people take inspiration from and how coach Antonio Conte is different.

“Certainly Lucescu, an absolute master of football. He did things 20 years ago that Guardiola is doing now. But today’s coach is not only based on the experiences he’s had, but on study and analysis.

“Conte, then, is unique in asking for attention and concentration. With his way of working you get closer to winning.”

Inter will face Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League semifinals on Monday, in a crucial game for the Nerazzurri and especially coach Antonio Conte.

The 51-year-old Italian is under increased pressure after his public criticism of the club’s management in interviews at the end of the Serie A season, so winning the competition could be key in securing his future in Milan. He will meet with the club’s management at the end of the season.