Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi has stressed the importance of securing a positive result against Feyenoord in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on Wednesday.
The Serie A champions travel to Rotterdam looking to gain an advantage ahead of the return leg at San Siro, but Inzaghi expects a stern test against a Feyenoord side that has impressed in Europe this season.
SoftFootball reports that the Italian tactician is wary of the challenge awaiting his team, pointing to Feyenoord’s physical style of play and the intimidating atmosphere at De Kuip.
Speaking to the club’s official website ahead of the encounter, Inzaghi said:
They’re a physical team with great qualities.
We know that it’s not an easy environment at their place. I played there in 2000 with Lazio. We played in the quarter-finals in the second group stage. I’ve not been there as a coach yet, but I know it’s a fiery atmosphere.
The Inter boss also praised Feyenoord’s performances in this season’s Champions League and warned against underestimating the Dutch side despite the tie being played over two legs.
They’re a quality team that has changed coach. They did well in the league despite ending at 0-0 against NEC. They’ve already done great things in the Champions League. Bayern lost despite knowing they still weren’t in the play-offs, and they knocked Milan out. We know there will be a second leg, but we have to focus on tomorrow.
Inzaghi believes the opening leg will be crucial in shaping the outcome of the tie.
Inter will be looking to take a positive result back to Italy before hosting Feyenoord in the decisive second leg, with a place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at stake.
