APPIANO GENTILE - Julio Cruz gave a brief interview to Sky Italia before Sunday afternoon's training session and the Nerazzurri's departure for Liverpool.

Here's what the Argentine striker had to say:

Cruz, you rested against Livorno. Is your mind already on Liverpool?
"I rested against Liverpool because the coach decided to play two of my team-mates. I hope to be on the pitch on Tuesday evening, but it's always Mancini who decides. The team is ready because we all know how much this two-legged clash counts."

To avoid things going like they did in Villarreal and Valencia, what attitude must the team have?
"What happened in the past is a lesson for us. We got knocked out against Valencia last year despite drawing both matches. We have realised that we have to play to win and do things well. This is the only way to get through the round."

Liverpool have shown they know how to approach this competition in the best way, having reached two Champions League finals in three years...
"Yes, but Inter have top-level players who know how to approach a Champions League match in the best way. It's different from the championship, the Champions League is a strange competition, there are many teams seen as favourites to win it, but then it can happen that Liverpool, for example, reach the final twice in three years. There's definitely a reason why they do much better in the cup than in the championship..."

What are the greatest dangers of Tuesday's match?
"The atmosphere at the stadium will be incredible. And Liverpool have some fantastic players, but Inter start on the same level."

How much does a player want to play important games like these in a historic stadium?
"Everyone wants to play games like these. I'd like to play it because it's an important match that can give us tremendous satisfaction."

Is playing the return match in Milan an advantage?
"We mustn't think that this might be an advantage. We have to try and do things well without thinking about the return leg at home, and try to kill off the match before the game in Milan."