UCL, Inzaghi: "Looking for a win of great prestige"

Another Champions League clash awaits, with Inter set to face Real Sociedad at San Siro on the sixth and final matchday in Group D. Ahead of Tuesday's 21:00 CET kick-off, Simone Inzaghi responded to journalists' questions at Appiano Gentile:

What kind of game are you expecting? Are Inter favourites? "We know that it'll be a very difficult match against a high-quality side that, in the past few years, have done well both home and away. We'll need to produce a big performance to come away with a result."

Do you feel like a top-class coach? "We've made a great start, but our journey will be very long and full of pitfalls. We're aware that things happen quickly in football. Tomorrow, we have a tough test against a side that, just like ourselves, have done really well in the Champions League."

You made several changes in the reverse fixture and the team struggled somewhat at the start. What awaits tomorrow? "I'll change something, just like I've always done. In terms of being able to rotate the squad, we're struggling a bit. We have a few players out and I need to make assessments. There won't be wholesale changes; just a few will be made. We could afford to rotate in Lisbon and the lads responded well, even if we began poorly. However, the same players then got us back into the match and performed well."

What would a win tomorrow do for the team? "It'd really add to our confidence and be a victory of great prestige for the Club. We'd theoretically put ourselves in a position to get a kinder draw, so it'd also be important in that respect. We know that every match is difficult, but we'd like to progress as group winners."

You've rotated the squad more in the Champions League compared to Serie A. Why? "Both we and Real Sociedad have performed well in the first five games. I didn't find the draw particularly favourable, but we've done well to make it easier than it seemed."

You're about to become the Inter coach who has taken charge of the sixth most Nerazzurri matches. Does that make you proud? "Every coach wants to remain as long as possible. Although that's the wish, the pitch does the talking. We're always judged and need to work hard knowing that there are different moments in football and how we deal with difficulties will be key."

Could Cuadrado start and could there be a change in attitude given who you're up against? "What we do in and out of possession will be key. We'll have to do well in both respects because we'll be up against a side that like to play, who are technically gifted and have principles that remain the same both home and away. As regards Cuadrado, I'm making my assessments; two out of him, Bisseck and Darmian will probably start. In our last match, Bisseck and Darmian started and Cuadrado came on as a substitute, but he has a problem and we'll also assess things tomorrow."

Given the team's absences, how important is it to have a player like Darmian? "Really important. Just like the others, he's doing really well. He's someone that every coach wants to have in their squad. Against Udinese, he started on the right flank before moving to the left wing and then moving inside to play as the left centre-back in our three-man backline. In Naples, meanwhile, he played as the right centre-back. He's a highly experienced player who also helps our youngest lads learn the playing principles we want to transmit."

Does Calhanoglu remind you of anyone? How did the idea of putting him in that central position in place of Brozovic come about? "When we had that big problem with Eriksen, I spoke to Marotta and Ausilio about him. There was already the desire to bring him here; we knew all about his quality. We brought him in to play as a 'mezzala', but, due to Brozovic's prolonged injury, I put him in his current position and his performances showed he could play there. He's an important and very strong player."

How is Pavard doing? He was moving well the other day... "He passed the fitness test on Saturday evening at San Siro! I think it'll be possible to have him back for our next match. We have a group of lads who care for each other and get on really well. Then, as the coach, I make choices that they respect in the knowledge that every minute they play can be important."

How is Frattesi doing? "He's doing well. In the past few days, he's trained well without any problems. I think he could play from the start."