UCL, Inzaghi: "Strong opposition, it will be a big opportunity"

APPIANO GENTILE - It's the eve of the Champions League start for Inter Milan, awaiting their debut in Group C. The contest with Bayern Munich kicks off on Wednesday at 21:00 CEST: a fascinating, historic and immediately significant match for the group.

Ahead of the big game, the Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi answered journalists' questions in the press conference:

Tomorrow between 55 and 60 thousand Nerazzurri fans are expected at San Siro: how important will their support be? "Tomorrow our fans will be really important, we know the opponent we're facing and their strength. It's a very competitive group, but in my opinion tomorrow's match must be seen an opportunity after Saturday's disappointment".

Will Barella and Bastoni play? "I don't like talking about individuals: we all have to improve our condition, it's normal. As for the formation, I have several doubts: tomorrow we'll have another training session and later I'll look at the data from this morning's session. We have to get 10 points in this group, which objectively is very difficult even compared to last year. But we are Inter and facing Bayern is an opportunity: they are one of the 3 or 4 favourites to win the trophy.

Can the two defeats at the start of the season also be an opportunity to turn things around? "Certainly, defeats must become an opportunity. We reviewed and analysed Saturday's game, there were moments in the match when Inter did better, when we scored the two goals. Until the equalising goal we were in control, and then we had a tough period, but after our second goal we deserved to draw. We all have to work harder, including me as coach.

In your opinion was there too much talk about Handanovic? "When you lose, the whole team has responsibility, including me. I try to improve the team on a daily basis: this league seems to be different to last year. We have to think one game at a time and prepare for it both behind the scenes and on the pitch, so that we can improve."

Tomorrow you will meet Mané, then Lewandowski with Barcelona: who is more dangerous? "We met Mané last year, he is a great footballer with incredible intensity. Lewandowski is another great player, in a month and a half we will have met them both: they are very difficult but very exciting matches.

What was the main mistake on Saturday? "We analysed the derby, defeats have to be accepted and looked at. The biggest mistake was to stop playing like we did in the first 25 minutes after the draw. A negative period in the match can happen, but the team must react better and stay in the game like in the first 25 minutes and after our second goal. We managed the game well for a decent part of the match".

Is Mkhitaryan a candidate to play as a starter? "Mkhitaryan came into the match very well from the bench on Saturday. He is a player of quality and consistency, he will help us a lot. He started his preparation late, but he did it very well. After the problem he had he's been at full strength for a week. He can be a solution from kick off or in from the subs' bench.

How is Gosens? "I think Gosens is training very well, he is an exemplary professional who missed practically the whole of last season and was unavailable until April. I am happy with him, I will decide on a game-by-game basis when and how to fit him in."

Bayern have drawn their last two matches: how can you trouble this team? "I've watched Bayern's last two matches, in terms of numbers there was no contest. The opponents did well to limit them with continuous aggression. Bayern have the intensity and aggression to be one of the best teams in Europe.

After Saturday did the players talk to each other, did they try to build something positive? "Yes, in training I saw what I wanted and what I have always had from this group. Other than words, only behaviour on the pitch and how we train matters: the team is preparing in the best way, knowing that we face a tricky opponent.

Does the team have a new lease of life after Saturday's game? "Definitely: criticism is normal in football, I like to listen to constructive criticism because it stimulates me. I have to make so many choices every day and I'll always try to make them for the good of Inter."