Bastoni and Dimarco: "Proud, we'll give everything"

Ahead of the UEFA Champions League final between Inter and Manchester City at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on Saturday 10 June, the official Media Open Day took place at the Suning Training Centre in Appiano Gentile today. After Simone Inzaghi, Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco also responded to questions from journalists:

Federico Dimarco's words:

What does it mean to be experiencing this Champions League final? "Playing in a final doesn't happen every day, and to be involved in it as a protagonist is just incredible. As a team, we're really proud of ourselves."

What are the feelings in the changing room? "We're delighted to have come this far, and we've deserved it for what we've done on the pitch. We know we'll be up against a strong side, but this final is a dream for us. For them, it's an obsession."

Did you not play in Turin because of this final? Is a childhood dream coming true? "As regards the match against Torino, we agreed I wouldn't play as a precaution. As for the final, I think that being involved in such a match is the dream of every child."

What do you think the team can do in attack in the upcoming match? "We'll need to play as an Inter side should. It's not just about the attack but the whole team. We're a strong side and we've shown this throughout this journey."

How can you go about winning against an almost perfect team? "They're very strong, and we know that. However, Inter need to be Inter; we have to put all our pride and strength into it. If we perform as an Inter side should, we can be successful."

Where can a team like City be attacked? "Until now, we've been focused on the league. From today, we'll take a look at City and think about how we can inflict damage on them."

Are you aware that the biggest challenge awaits? What do you need to do to return home without any regrets? "We need to throw our hearts over the hurdle. If we produce a performance befitting of Inter, we can achieve a great result, just like we have done in the past few years."

Is it about obsession overcoming dreams or dreams trumping obsession? "Winning is everyone's dream, and I think this also applies to City. We'll head out there and play our cards."

What grade would you give to the team's journey? Do you have a message for the fans? "Grades are given at the end of a journey. The fans can be assured that we'll go there and give everything. We'll spit blood and give it our all right until the last second of the match."

You experienced the treble-winning season as a fan. Are the two teams similar in terms of spirit? "They were two different paths. That was a strong Inter side, although we are also strong. They had a lot of experienced players, whereas we're a young group. Nevertheless, this is a great group that is living a dream, and I hope it'll end with a great result on 10 June."

When did the perception of the team change? "Not everyone would be able to progress from a group containing Bayern Munich and Barcelona, and it's only normal for predictions to change. We've come up against some strong sides, but we've shown that we deserve to be here through our performances on the pitch, and we'll play the final on equal terms."

Do you have a particular memory of the Champions League final in 2010? "I've been watching that game for 13 years. My favourite memories are Milito's second goal and seeing Zanetti lift the trophy."

As the game approaches, have you been thinking back to when you were a young boy and all the emotions you've experienced on your journey? "When you start playing as a youngster for this team, you hope to one day be involved in matches like this and play for trophies of this kind. I'm happy because it means I've worked so hard and deserved it."

What do you do the night before matches? "I sleep well and we have a laugh. Then, a day later, we take to the pitch and give everything."

It was then time for Alessandro Bastoni to speak:

This season, Inter have produced their best performances against the strongest sides. Now, an incredibly tough game awaits. What kind of match will you be looking to play? "That's true, yes. We joked in the changing room and said that we hope that Napoli will be the only side in the league next year. It'll be a difficult match because it's a Champions League final. We're fired up, determined and happy to be playing on such a big stage."

City need to be kept away from the box and you'll have to show plenty of character. Do you agree? "Yes, absolutely. We know how strong City are. If they get too close to our area, they could cause us problems. We'll analyse these things closely this week and put the right precautions in place."

The long journey you've been on started with the Europa League final defeat to Sevilla. What did that teach the team? "Since that final, we've become different players and people. We've got four more years of experience under our belts, and that makes a difference. Back then, we were young lads trying to play football and win. Now, we're men who know what we want, and we'll prove it in Istanbul on Saturday."

You've been described as a typical Guardiola player with the way you play. Do you agree with this description? "My characteristics are suited to Guardiola's game, but, at the moment, I feel more 'Inzaghiano' than ever. I'm happy that I'm here at Inter and helping these colours achieve great things. I'm not interested in proving anything to anyone other than my teammates and the Club."

How can you not be fearful of City? "You should be fearful of bad people and not players. It's wrong to speak of fear; you should only have courage and a clear mind to head out there and go for it."

Italy beat England to win the Euros in 2021. Is this a sign of destiny? "No, it's purely coincidental. We know how strong City are, just like we knew how good England were. We need to have the same attitude as in the Euros."

This year, there's an Italian team in every European final. What does this tell us? "Despite the fact that many underestimate us due to our playing style and make fun of us, we're very good. It's difficult to beat us because we have plenty of heart and courage. I'm happy because it means that Serie A is an excellent league."

What needs to be done to stop Haaland? "He's a brilliant striker. However, City don't just consist of Haaland; they have many strong players. This week, we'll analyse them with the aim of causing them problems."

Are there defenders who have done particularly well against Haaland? "I watched how Rudiger stopped him for Real in the semi-finals. However, it's not just about Haaland; their squad is a very strong one."

Gasperini said that Inter are equipped to cause problems for City. Has his words resonated with you? "He undoubtedly wanted to give us some encouragement. I have plenty of confidence in my teammates and the staff. I know we'll prepare for the match thoroughly."

Manchester City are the favourites, and that means more pressure is on them. As a result, are you a bit calmer or are you also feeling a lot of tension? "It's only normal for them to be the favourites because they've reached the final and two semi-finals in the last three years. There's more of a feeling of happiness than tension. We've been dreaming of playing a match of this importance since we were 6-7 years old."

Have you ever dreamed of being involved in a Champions League final and winning? "Definitely, yes. Very few thought we'd reach the final this year. It's an honour for us to take to the pitch in Istanbul wearing the Inter shirt. Having arrived this far, we want to win it."

What were the three most important moments of this Champions League campaign? What have Onana and Acerbi added to the group? "The most important moments were our two matches against Barcelona and the semi-final against AC Milan. Onana has given us great experience and solidity; he's provided us with the European experience that were perhaps missing. Acerbi is a very reliable player and man and is very important for us."

Is this Champions League final a moment to seize or could you perhaps start a new cycle? "We know how difficult it is to go all the way in Europe. We need to make the most of this opportunity because we don't know how many times it'll happen again."