MILAN - Javier Zanetti was the special guest for the twenty-second episode of Sky Italia's 'Inter 100 e lode' series, dedicated to the Nerazzurri's centenary year.

Zanetti, what's your explanation for the defeat in Liverpool?
"We knew how hard it would be to play away to a team like Liverpool, and we knew their strength. We were down to ten men after half an hour, and everything became more difficult. It's hard playing in international competitions with ten men. The team played a great match in defence, but we conceded these two goals at the end, with Liverpool having problems getting into our area. But there's still the return match to play and I'm very confident because we have time to make our best preparations for it. We hope we can overturn the result."

Did you say anything to Marco Materazzi after the match?
"The things you say in the heat of the moment should not be taken into consideration. You have to wait a while and then talk about the details. However, after seeing the replay I think the referee was too harsh on Marco because he didn't deserve to get two yellow cards and get sent off for these two fouls."

There has been talk of tension in the dressing room after the match...
"There's no truth in this. As captain, the first thing I noticed was that the team is very disappointed about the result because we wanted to go into the return leg with a different result. There weren't any arguments though. We know it will be hard but we're confident we can overturn this result."

What do you have to do to put the Liverpool defeat behind you?
"As a group we must continue doing what we're doing because we have only lost one match after a long time without losing. We have to think about the next league match now and continue on our path until the time comes for the return match."

Are you confident you can turn around the result?
"We have a chance, and we have shown on other occasions that we can do anything. Our approach at the start will count most. We know we have ninety minutes in which anything can happen. We have to stay calm, knowing we still have a chance to continue in this competition that we all want to do well in."

Will Inter's season become less important if you get knocked out of the Champions League?
"It's always very hard to win in Italy, and Inter went a long time without winning a Scudetto, so what we are doing is extraordinary. But it would obviously be ideal if we can win the Champions League. But you never know what might happen. We have ninety minutes to turn around the result and we will see what happens, but we're not underestimating what the team is doing in the championship because it's hard to win any championship, especially in Italy."

There will be a big crowd cheering you on in the return leg at the Meazza...
"There were so many fans in Liverpool too, and the team was very sorry (about the result) because we saw many people come to support us at Anfield. I think it will be like this in the return leg as well. The Meazza will be packed and I'm expecting the team to rise to the occasion and give the fans a great triumph."

Can you finish off the championship in these next two matches?
"There are still many matches to play in the championship, but it's true that we have two important and hard clashes, and we can get closer to the finishing post if we win them."

How much satisfaction does it give you to be captain of Inter in the centenary year?
"Loads. I had been waiting many years for this moment. Inter hadn't managed to win for a long time, for many reasons, but in the last three or four years all these triumphs have come and they are very important for me. I have suffered a lot, along with the fans, and now the success has come. Let's hope we continue like this because the club and the fans deserve lots of triumphs. Lots of memories come to mind, as do many people who have made the history of this club, like Giacinto Facchetti. But he is and always will be with us. I have a wonderful memory of him because I was very fond of him. I'm pleased to be captain of Inter on the day of the centenary. It's a club with a great history and deserves lots of respect in the world of football."

If Massimo Moratti bought a great player for the centenary, how would he be welcomed by the team?
"Everyone would be pleased if a great player arrives, because he would strengthen the team. And I think that the club and president Moratti have worked hard for many years to make this team one of the best in the world."

Without wanting to spark any transfer market talk, who are the players you would like have at Inter? Would a player like Messi be useful to your team?
"I really like Messi, and so does everyone who loves football. I like Gerrard a lot, I had the chance to play this match against him and he's a very good player. They are really decisive players. Ronaldinho is another player who can decide a match at any time, even if he hasn't made a good start to the season at Barcelona this year."

Your message for Ivan Cordoba, who got injured in Liverpool?
"Unfortunately, Ivan picked up this injury, and we could have done without it. Besides being a great player, he's a friend and a fantastic professional. We're sorry about it because it has come at an important time for the team. But our squad is complete and we will try to make up for this absence. Everyone will have to make sacrifices, but the men in this squad are prepared to do that."

What about Hernan Crespo, who isn't having the easiest of times?
"He knows he has to say strong because he has nothing to prove to anyone. His great professional attitude is very good for the team. His time will come and he will take best advantage of his chances when he plays. We hope he can score a few important goals to help the team continue in every competition. Also, Hernan unites the team. Right after the defeat against Liverpool he came to the sideline and reminded us that there's another match to play. He told us that we can do it. This is why I say Hernan is very important both on and off the pitch."

On Sunday you face Antonio Cassano's Sampdoria?
"He is very talented. He's one of those players who can decide a match at any time."

On Sunday it will be important to do well like you did last season...
"It was an important match last year. It's never easy to beat Samp in Genoa, and it will be another very tough match on Sunday. Let's hope the team has recovered mentally and physically to get through this match and forget the defeat at Anfield. We will have to do well because it won't be easy, and it will be hard until the end of the championship because all those behind us will make it hard for us until the end."

How important is it to qualify for the next round of the Champions League?
"Very important. We're hoping to because this club and this team deserves to continue in the cup. Qualification is within our reach."

Will you have to repeat the feat of the Great Inter side against Liverpool in 1965?
"Facchetti spoke to me about that match many times. We're hoping we can repeat history because it would be a great gift for everyone."

What will you have to do to repeat it?
"Show great spirit and, most of all, belief right up to the end. We have to show we can do it."

Maybe with a winning goal from Javier Zanetti?
"Let's hope so, but a goal from anyone is fine, as long as we qualify."