Inzaghi: "Fighting for first place"

It's the eve of the UEFA Champions League for Inter, who face Benfica away tomorrow on matchday 5 Group D. Coach Simone Inzaghi spoke from the Da Luz stadium in the game's press conference:

What match will it be against Benfica? "We are in Portugal to play an important match with the satisfaction of being in the round of 16 with two games to spare. However, we still have to fight to earn top spot in the group."

What are your thoughts following the game in Turin? Could Audero play? "Audero will play because he deserves it and has worked very well. On Sunday, we played a mature game because we faced some difficulties over the course of the game, but we remained focused and managed to equalise. In the second half, we weren't able to create chances, but against Juventus it's not easy. My Inter was mature and I liked it."

Do you have priorities between the league and Champions League? "We are Inter and we have the objective of winning every match. We have qualified for the round of 16 for three years running and this year we have already achieved some objectives, but we know that we have huge responsibilities because our fans deserve it. We will aim to win big trophies to make them proud."

Can you imagine how Benfica will play? "This is the fourth time we'll have met in six months, at their home it's even more difficult because the stadium will be right behind them. We know how they play and that they have quality players; they have many options and so we'll see. I respect their coach a lot."

How important is it for Inter to finish first in the group? "We are focused on what we have to do tomorrow, because they'll want to win to gain a Europa League spot, knowing that Real Sociedad, like Inter, are doing important things. We will fight with the Spaniards in the head-to-head clash." What were Benfica missing in this group? "Not all seasons are the same. Last year, they had an extraordinary run; this year, they've faced difficulties in every game."

How is Sanchez? "Tomorrow, I think he can start. He had some problems when he returned from the national team, but yesterday he worked partially and today he was with the group. He is training very well and we are really happy with his work; he is performing very well and scored an important goal against Salzburg".

What do you expect from Benfica's youngsters tomorrow? "I know Florentino well and I liked him a lot last year. This year, however, he has played less because Neves has proven to be a great player. We know that we will come up against a tough opponent, who are coming into the game on the back of win in the derby."