Simone Inzaghi has hinted that his Inter Milan side are preparing to the go the distance with Manchester City when they meet in the Champions League final.
City are the heavy favourites going into Saturday night’s final in Istanbul, with Pep Guardiola’s side looking to complete a remarkable title following their Premier League and FA Cup triumphs.
Inter are expected to put up a great resistance but the Citizens may prove to be too much, especially with star striker Erling Haaland up top.
The 22-year-old has scored a simply sensational 52 goals in as many appearances in his maiden season at the Etihad, including 12 in 10 UCL games so far.
Like so many other managers this season, Inzaghi has to work out how best to stop the Norway international, and lack those before him the Italian insists it is not just the striker they need to look out for.
‘We all know what a great player he is and how strong City are,’ the 47-year-old said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
‘He will be marked tightly. However we will keep a close eye on all the City players. We need to stop Haaland and also the other players.
‘The midfield will be key tomorrow but all areas will be important. We will need to run and we need hearts and minds too. We need to go the extra yard tomorrow.
We need to stay sharp and focused, we need to give our all, we need heart to get over the finishing line. We need to be at our best tomorrow. The fine details will be key to winning tomorrow.
‘We have practiced penalties all season long. We will practice and prepare for penalties. City have a solid defence, they afford a few chances.
‘We need to be our best to beat them. They are a complete side, we know what team we will face tomorrow. They are a respected side, we need to be up to standard.’
Inter will be hoping to have better luck than their Italian counterparts have had over the past week, with Roma losing the Europa League final to Sevilla while Fiorentina were beaten to the Europa Conference League trophy by West Ham.
Inzaghi added: ‘We want to fly the flag for Serie A tomorrow. We need to focus on ourselves and our match. Serie A sides have done well to reach finals.
‘We are calm and ready for this moment, the big moment is upon us. The tension levels will keep rising however we are ready and cannot wait.
‘I want to thank the fans for their support, they have been incredible all season long. I won’t forget their support this season in Europe. We need to give our all for the fans and the club.’
MORE : Pep Guardiola fears Italians, reckons Roberto Di Matteo as Man City prepare to face Inter Milan
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