5 hours ago 2

Inter icon praises Barcelona starlet yet remains confident in Italian side’s chances – ‘He is a threat but…’

Alessandro Altobelli, former Inter Milan captain and club icon, has expressed strong belief that his old side will come out on top against Barcelona in the upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t SPORT), the Italian legend highlighted Inter’s strength under manager Simone Inzaghi and believes their first-leg advantage is a good starting point.

“It’s true that Barcelona have Lamine Yamal, who is a real threat, but Inter have shown that they don’t usually mess up in big games,” Altobelli began saying.

“They had a 2-0 lead in the first leg and came close to finishing it there. We have to start from there, and I am convinced that they are going to win the game.”

Lautaro Martinez to return?

He made it clear that the return of Lautaro Martinez is a huge boost for the team. The striker has been injured since the first leg, but Altobelli is confident that the Argentine has done everything to be ready.

“I’ve been captain of this club, and I know how much a match like this means. They are played once in a lifetime, and it was clear to me, since they replaced him, that Lautaro was going to be in this game.

“He has prepared himself, and that is enough. Lautaro is Inter — and I was sure he would push through any pain to support his team. That gives me peace of mind.”

Champions League is the priority for Inter

Altobelli stressed that Inter must focus all their energy on the Champions League rather than Serie A for now. According to him, lifting this trophy would mark the perfect end to what he sees as a successful era under Inzaghi.

“The Champions League would be the peak of Inzaghi’s time with Inter. The team has done really well in recent years, and they deserve something big to show for it,” he said.

“This feels like their year, especially since they’ve been so strong at home in European matches,” he concluded.

Read Entire Article