Inzaghi: ‘Cholo is a friend, but I want to beat him. Against Atletico, it will be a battle.’

The coach commented on the Champions League draw on the club’s website: “We’re in for two big matches against a team that has reached the finals in recent years. Cholo and I won a Serie A title at Lazio, but this time, I want to beat him.”

Simone Inzaghi is eagerly anticipating the clash with his friend Cholo Simeone and his Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16. The two were teammates at Lazio and together won the Serie A title in the 1999-2000 season. In an interview with the Inter website (Inter.it), Inzaghi shared his thoughts:

“It’s going to be an exciting Round of 16, featuring two high-caliber teams facing off in two beautiful stadiums with passionate fans. We’re pleased to participate in such crucial European matches for some years in a row now. Atletico has reached two finals in the last decade (losing one to Real Madrid at San Siro on penalties), boasting a strong tradition in this competition. Our club is equally competitive, and we aim to dream again to bring joy to our supporters.”

Speaking about his friend Cholo, Inzaghi added, “He’s a fantastic coach, and we share a great relationship. We achieved a lot together, including winning a Serie A title with Lazio. But first, let’s focus on the upcoming month: we have some important league matches, along with the Coppa Italia and the Italian Supercup. After that, we’ll shift our attention to preparing for these two significant games. They will be battles, and we’ll work hard to be ready.”