Inzaghi: "They transform at home. It will be an intense match"

Champions League eve: Inter will take the field on Wednesday at 21:00 CET in Madrid, where they will face Atletico in the round of sixteen return leg. From the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium, Simone Inzaghi answered journalists' questions in a press conference.

It's often said that this Inter was born in Istanbul. What differences are there between that team and the one today? "I disagree. I look at the journey of these three seasons: already in the first year in the cups, we performed well, playing two great matches in the Champions League against Liverpool, and in that year, the Reds reached the final. So, I think the journey started from afar. Tomorrow, we know it will be a complicated match against an opponent who transforms at home. It will be a tough match, but we know we have a slight advantage."

It seems Simeone will field a more offensive team. Would that be better for you? "Looking at the season, I can say we've performed well against both aggressive and defensive teams. We don't know what they'll do because they often change during the match and have great quality. We know it will be an intense match, and we must make the difference in the difficulties we'll face."

Atletico and Inter are two teams with identical tactical systems: do you hope Simeone uses the same formation or changes, maybe to a 4-4-2? "I cannot know what Simeone will do. I know they sometimes play with our system and sometimes they change. Formations don't make the difference; it's the interpretation of the match that will be decisive. We want to play a great match."

De Vrij is playing very well: is he in contention with Acerbi? And then I ask you a curiosity: will Thuram observe Ramadan? "The contests at the moment are different; Acerbi returned on Saturday, and De Vrij has played many matches at a very high level. Frattesi is fine, so I can decide whether to rest a midfielder. My only concern is not having some players like Arnautovic and Carlos Augusto who unfortunately have had some problems and therefore are not available. On Ramadan, I am aware that only Sarr observes it."

One of Inter's strengths is the cohesion of the group: in the dressing room, which is now international, how important is it to have local players like Dimarco? "It's very important because Federico is a credit to the entire club. He has gone through the ranks and is fundamental for us. We hope there are others like him. He has carved out his space on the field, but it's only his merit. He has worked very hard, and he deserves congratulations. I am fortunate to have a core that has been here for many years, and they know what the Inter spirit is."

You said that Atletico transforms at home. What worries you the most? "It's a fact; they transform here. In La Liga, they would be first if they only played at home, and we all know what a great coach Cholo is, so we have prepared ourselves in the best possible way knowing that their crowd will be very passionate."

Inter is doing very well this season and can rely on Sanchez's excellent form: what contribution is he giving to the team? "I have to compliment him; he arrived without having done the pre-season training, he has integrated very well, and he is well-liked by everyone. We know his technical qualities, as well as the fact that he has had exemplary behavior since day one."