UCL, Acerbi: "Tough game, we'll need balance"

APPIANO GENTILE – The Champions League is back. On Wednesday 22 February, Inter host Porto at San Siro in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. Ahead of the game, Francesco Acerbi joined head coach Simone Inzaghi for the pre-match press conference.

Porto are in great form and are dangerous on the front foot; how important is it to have rediscovered a bit of solidity at the back? "This is a massive game. We know what Porto can do; they're used to games at this level. They have a lot of quality and are physical; they are good on the counter and have been playing together for a while as a group. It'll be a tough game. We're trying to improve in each training session and in every game." Inter have played well at the back in many games but looked vulnerable to the counter against Udinese, what happened? "We played well in the first half against Udinese but we pushed forward a little bit too much after the break. We could've lost. If they had scored, it would have been entirely different and it'd have been another game entirely. It's about generosity for me; everyone tries to score but that's not always a good thing because, though you might win playing like that, it's important to have a balance. You can win games five minutes into added time; we need to strike a balance for 90 minutes, knowing that we can't concede." How is the team feeling physically and mentally? "This is the type of game that you prepare for mentally in isolation. It's a Champions League round of 16 game at San Siro in front of 80,000 people. We want to get a good result at home and we'll need balance. The little details will make the difference." How are you feeling personally? "I always try to give everything. I know that it's a huge game and it'll be great to play in it. I'll prepare for it like I always do: with a lot of focus, in the hope that I don't make mistakes and that I help my team." What's the difference between having Calhanoglu and Brozovic ahead of you? "They're both great players. Brozovic is great in that role when he's fit and Calhanoglu has been playing well in that position; he's having a great season. They both want to be on the ball to make a play and they move around a lot. They're great players; whoever plays there does well." What's the most dangerous aspect of Porto's 4-4-2 formation? "These players have been together for years. They're really adept at escaping from the press. They have a lot of quality and they know each other well. They have a lot of energy and don't make many mistakes; they're used to playing in this competition. It'll be a really tough game." After a year apart, you've reunited with Simone Inzaghi here at Inter. Are there any differences? "The boss is still the same, of course. He hasn't changed in terms of how he prepares for games. He's calm when he has to be but, if there's a need, he's always ready to get into us and sound the charge."