Inzaghi: Inter must win “both” games against Arsenal and Napoli in the Champions League and Serie A – Football Italia

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Simone Inzaghi, head coach of FC Internazionale, reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 30, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has explained the difficulties Inter will face in the Champions League against Arsenal. At the same time, he has also expressed his opinion on the new format of the competition and revealed that he has had the opportunity to move to the Premier League in recent seasons.

The Inter coach met for his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the Champions League phase match between Inter and Arsenal at the San Siro on Wednesday evening.

Inzaghi has no concerns about his side's form ahead of the game against Arsenal, although they faced some criticism after their narrow 1-0 win over Venezia.

“We know we are doing well. Let’s not forget that in the last eight games we have won seven and drawn one,” Inzaghi told the press.

“We always have to think about the opponents we are competing against. I complimented the team after the last game because they were very good and did everything I asked of them.

“The only mistake was that we couldn't finish the game. Of course, with all the chances we had, we shouldn't have got to the 97th minute when the score is still 1-0, but let's not forget that our opponents are trying to cause us problems, like Venezia did has.

“We have two very difficult games ahead of us, which we will play individually. First and foremost is Arsenal, one of the strongest teams in Europe.”

Inzaghi over Lautaro Martinez, Taremi and Arnautovic as well as Inter change

Inzaghi revealed that Marko Arnautovic was ruled out due to a serious “injury”, which is why he did not feature in any of Inter's final matchday squads.

“We would have liked to see him again, but he has had a problem for ten days: an infection in one of his eyes that is difficult to go away. We'll see how it looks tomorrow, he trained well this morning. At this level, a small problem is enough to keep you out for three games, but he works well.”

Inzaghi is expected to once again name a strike partnership between Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi, which has been the case in Inter's last three Champions League games.

“In my opinion, Lautaro and Thuam have recovered quite well, Taremi is a bit fresher. The Venezia game was just 40 hours ago. We will have a light training session tomorrow and I will try to choose the best line-up.”

Inter have made more changes to their Champions League games than any other team in the competition so far this season, but Inzaghi offered a sensible explanation for their rotated lineups in Europe.

“Unfortunately, immediately after our Champions League games we had Milan, Juventus and Napoli. Only Inter has such demanding games right after the Champions League.”

Inzaghi on the new Champions League format

The Nerazzurri tactician went on to explain why the newly expanded Champions League format is more difficult for players and coaches than the previously recognized 32-team format.

“It's much more difficult for us coaches, even more so for the players. Previously you had to prepare for three teams, so until February you only had to focus on those three teams, which was easier. Now you have eight different games to think about.

“In the past, you had an idea of ​​the rankings after the first three games. Now you need to know the positions and how many points may be needed. However, the final ranking can be decided based on goals scored or conceded.

“The team is aware of it, it's probably more interesting, more fun, but also more difficult. It’s more of a spectacle, but also more challenging.”

Inzaghi on the importance of the Arsenal and Napoli games

After the Arsenal game, Inter immediately begin preparing to face Napoli in Serie A. Antonio Conte's side are currently leading the division after eleven games, but after their recent defeat against Atalanta, Inter are just one point behind them second place.

When asked which game he would like to win more if he could only choose one, Inzaghi replied: “We need both.” We know we are playing against two very strong teams.

“We’re thinking about tomorrow’s game for now. We are facing one of the best teams in Europe with a very respected coach. In the last two seasons in England, they shared a point-for-point victory with Manchester City.

“We have to try to keep the ball as much as possible. We know that we are up against a team that will put us under a lot of pressure offensively. We know it will be a problem for us when they have the ball, but the opposite is also true.”

Inzaghi also revealed that he has had the opportunity to work in the Premier League in recent seasons.

“It's very interesting football, all the coaches like it. I don't deny that there have been opportunities in recent years, even when I was at Lazio, but I was happy at LAzio and I'm happy at Inter too. I like it (English football), it fascinates me, but I play for one of the best teams in Europe and I'm happy here. However, no one can be sure about the future.”

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