Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has urged his players to block out the negativity of a disastrous week as they prepare to face Barcelona in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg.
The Nerazzurri enter the high-stakes tie on the back of three straight defeats, a Coppa Italia elimination to rivals AC Milan and back-to-back Serie A losses that have seen Napoli leapfrog them atop the table.
With their treble hopes evaporating, Inzaghi made it clear: the focus must shift immediately.
“Forget everything about the last week,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “This group has done extraordinary things over the last four years, and a tough few days doesn’t erase that. We’re still here competing.”
Inzaghi, who steered Inter to a Champions League final in 2023, acknowledged the strength of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, calling them “probably the best team in the world right now” following their Copa del Rey win and current top spot in La Liga.
But he insisted Inter will show “maximum respect, but no fear.”
Barça’s aggressive pressing and technical discipline were highlighted as key threats, but Inzaghi backed his side’s ability to compete at the highest level, referencing their recent knockout win over Bayern Munich.
Inter will be without Benjamin Pavard, but Marcus Thuram could return to partner Lautaro Martínez, who remains bullish despite recent setbacks.
“We’re united, strong, and ready,” Martínez said. “This is a special chance, and we want to take Inter back to the final.”
The second leg will be played next Tuesday in Milan.
