Inzaghi on the eve of the match against Benfica: ‘The first position is important; we need to finish the job.’
Inter has secured the qualification for the round of 16 three weeks ago in Salzburg, which made the trip to Lisbon today way more comfortable, but it certainly hasn’t emptied the significance of this Benfica-Inter match.
While it’s clear that the upcoming match on Sunday against Napoli carries more weight, Inzaghi is ready to fight for the top spot in the Champions League group too. This involves a duel with Real Sociedad, engaged at home against Salzburg tomorrow. Simone Inzaghi addressed the match in the press conference
INZAGHI’S FULL PRESS CONFERENCE
You’re taking the field already qualified for the round of 16, what are the pros and cons of such a situation?
“We have spoken with the players; we are here in Portugal to play an important match against Benfica. The qualification gives us a great satisfaction, but our job is not finished; there is another first-place to conquer, and tomorrow we will have to play an important match against a strong opponent.”
Going back few days: in Turin, was it a missed opportunity for Inter or was it a good point?
“We played a mature game, seeing that we are in some difficulties and we have plenty injuries; we stil managed to play well and keep the possession, against one of the best teams in Italy. However, last year in similar situations, we lost focus and we lost the game. I liked my Inter.”
Will Audero play in goal against Benfica?
“I have already given the lineup to the team, so it’s right that you know it too. Audero will play tomorrow; I wanted to give him his debut against Frosinone, but tomorrow it will be his turn.”
Between winning a second star and reaching the Champions League final, what would you choose?
“We are Inter, and our goal is to win everything. Last season there were 57 matches, and we played 57. It’s the third consecutive year that we qualify for the round of 16, and this year we have already reached the round of 16 with 2 games remaining and we have reached the Club World Cup. This is a source of pride.”
What do you expect from Benfica?
“It’s the 4th time we meet them in six months, at their home, it will be even more challenging because we know the push their crowd gives. I saw the last derby, and we know what they can do in a few minutes. It’s a quality team.”
How important is it for Inter to finish first?
“We are focused on what we have to do against Benfica; we face an excellent team that wants to secure a spot in the Europa League. We think about tomorrow’s match, knowing that Real Sociedad, like Inter, is doing important things. But yes we want the first place in Europe too.”
How is Sanchez? Can he start tomorrow?
“He had a problem after the two matches with the national team, spent three days recovering, and yesterday had a partial training. Today he trained with the group, and tomorrow, I think he can play from the beginning.
