MILAN, Italy — As Inter Milan prepares to face Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semifinals, coach Simone Inzaghi has outlined his hopes and challenges ahead of the pivotal match.
The game will kick off at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Wednesday at 20:00 UK time (19:00 GMT, 21:00 CET), since the iconic Camp Nou is under heavy renovations.
Inzaghi confirmed that Marcus Thuram, who has been sidelined due to a left thigh injury, is in the running to start after a strong training session on Tuesday. “Yes, Thuram starts. We had the training session this morning; he’s fine. It has been 10 days since his problem, so we decided he could start,” Inzaghi stated. “He is an important player who we have missed,” he added, emphasizing the fact that despite his return, it is a collective effort that has brought the team to this stage.
Inter has had a rocky path leading to this matchup, failing to score in their last three domestic games, with Inzaghi admitting that his squad has faced a tough week. “It has been a difficult week that we did not enjoy, clearly, but this is part of the journey for all teams,” Inzaghi explained.
Barcelona, on the other hand, rides high after recently winning the Copa del Rey and remains unbeaten at their temporary home. Despite this, Inzaghi expressed confidence, recalling Inter’s experience against similar odds. “We went to Munich, they hadn’t lost at home for three years. These are teams that always get to the final phases of the Champions League, but we’re here to compete,” he said.
Inter’s recent scoreless streak is largely linked to Thuram’s absence, as highlighted by Inzaghi, who noted that Lautaro Martinez has been pressured to carry the attack alone. “Thuram has trained with the team for the first time today, we hadn’t seen him since Bayern. He showed some good signs, but I have to evaluate tomorrow morning,” he commented.
Inzaghi acknowledged the need for a cohesive effort. “Everyone else is available except Pavard. We’ll see how the player is feeling,” he continued. He is prepared to adjust his strategy if Thuram is unable to begin, with Marko Arnautovic or Mehdi Taremi as possible replacements.
Inter’s recent form, including three consecutive defeats, has seen them slip in Serie A, now trailing Napoli by three points. However, the tactician emphasizes the importance of maintaining ambition. “We must always be ambitious; we have always shown that,” Inzaghi stated. “The league no longer depends on us, but in the Champions League, we are among the best four teams in Europe.”
Looking ahead to the match against the Catalan giants, Inzaghi respects their strength but is keen to showcase Inter’s quality. “We have nothing to fear. In eight games this season, we have kept eight clean sheets in the Champions League, and our focus will be critical against Barcelona’s attacking prowess,” he said.
Barcelona’s players are also feeling their own pressures, with Lamine Yamal explaining how a recent power outage at the training ground caused anxiety within the squad. “The blackout made us all very nervous. But of course now we are only thinking about the semifinal that we are very motivated to play,” he said.
As the teams prepare to meet for this highly anticipated encounter, both will carry their unique pressures and expectations into the field. Inter hopes to reclaim their footing in Europe, while Barcelona aims to continue their impressive run. The stakes are high, and the outcome uncertain as they face off in one of European football’s most storied rivalries.
