Inzaghi: ‘Inter start fundamental’ with hope in star strikers | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi warns the ‘initial approach is fundamental’ for Inter against Sparta Prague in the Champions League, while he welcomes the return of Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez together.

It kicks off at the Stadion Letná at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Milan-Girona on the Liveblog.

A victory in Prague would be enough to guarantee a place in the top eight and therefore direct access to the Round of 16 without going through the play-offs.

“Without doubt, the initial approach is fundamental, especially in the Champions League and away from home. We all know how important this game is for us,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.

“Sparta Prague are very physical and accustomed to playing in the Champions League. They had started strong, then lost to some big clubs, they haven’t played a competitive game since December 15, so we will try to impose our tempo on the game.”

Inzaghi has faith in Inter players

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 04: The players of FC Internazionale celebrate as Federico Gatti of Juventus scores an own-goal during the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and Juventus – Serie A TIM at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 04, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Kristjan Asllani has the keys to the Inter midfield yet again, seeing as Hakan Calhanoglu is still out of action due to injury, and seems to be gaining confidence after a shaky start.

“Without doubt he is showing great character, as it is not easy for anyone to replace Calhanoglu. He is finding consistency, he knows we all have faith in him and he just has to continue like this,” added Inzaghi.

Having shaken off muscular problems sustained in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Atalanta earlier this month, Thuram returns to the starting XI alongside Lautaro Martinez.

“The last few matches saw them alternate, tonight they start together, while we also have Taremi and Arnautovic ready to give us a hand,” concluded Inzaghi.

While Inter have conceded only one goal in six Champions League games so far this season, they also struggled to find the net, scoring seven with four of them all coming against Crvena Zvezda.

With that in mind, they hope to be more prolific in European competition to ensure qualification for the knockout stages.