Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi estimated Monday on the eve of the reunion with Benfica, eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2022-23 Champions League, that the Portuguese club had since “gained in quality”.
“It’s going to be a complicated match, against a team that plays at a very high pace and level,” declared the Italian coach at a press conference on the eve of Benfica’s reception (9:00 p.m.) at San Siro as part of of the 2nd day of the Champions League.
“They know each other well, they have been playing under the same coach for two years, they have recruited several players, like (Angel) di Maria and (Petar) Musa, the team has gained in quality and the playing principles are the same. same,” he warned.
Last season, Inter won the quarter-final first leg in Portugal 2-0, before drawing 3-3 at San Siro in the second leg.
The Italian club then eliminated AC Milan in the semi-final and lost in the final to Manchester City (1-0).
Inter, leaders of the Italian Championship tied on points with AC Milan, drew 1-1 at Real Sociedad on matchday 1, while Benfica lost 2 to 0 at home against Salzburg.
“They lost this first match by being reduced to ten quickly, and despite that, they created a lot of chances and would have deserved another result,” noted Inzaghi.
About his team which won six of its seven matches in the Italian Championship, including a 4-0 demonstration against Salernitana with a quadruplet from Lautaro Martinez on Saturday, the Italian technician praised “the desire that ( his) players to be together and give their best to earn their place on the field.
“I am satisfied with our journey so far,” he concluded.