Arrigo Sacchi pushes Simone Inzaghi toward semifinal.

Arrigo Sacchi introduced Inter-Bayern in Gazzetta dello Sport: “Here we are at the Big Night. I use capital letters because this is really the most important day of the season, for Inter. Against Bayern, at San Siro, in front of its people and after the victory in the first leg challenge, you cannot make a mistake. There is a Champions semi-final to be won and, as a reward, there will be two memorable games against the Barcelona of the terrible kids that is enchanting Europe. The Nerazzurri will be charged to the max, I say this because I know what these moments feel like. Nothing must be left to chance, every possibility must be explored in order not to concede space to the opponents”.

“When I think back to the first leg, when Inter accomplished a great feat in Germany, a more offensive attitude would be desirable, although I realize that Bayern will have to take the initiative. However, I believe that the Nerazzurri should not be found unprepared by the Germans’ ball possession, which will have to be attacked immediately to make things clear: at the San Siro you do not pass and often attack is the best way to defend. Inter is going through a good moment on a physical and mental level, they proved it on Saturday against Cagliari as well. It dominates opponents, shows brilliant, harmonious play, defends well and attacks with many men according to the principles of modern soccer. Unlike the other Champions League pretenders, the Nerazzurri have one advantage: they protect the goal better than anyone else. Foreign teams, on the other hand, and I include possible next rival Barcelona, are more baller: they work hard on the offensive aspect, but they are not as fierce and careful as they should be when they do not have the ball between their feet. Inter must exploit this advantage to the full, as they did in the first leg with Bayern. To the typically Italian tactical discipline, combined with determination and alertness, the Nerazzurri can add that airy, “accordion-like” maneuvering that leads them to start an action on the right and finish it on the left with the involvement of defenders, midfielders and attackers”.

“Simone Inzaghi is doing a great job, really to be applauded, because his Inter team has grown over time. Now it has become so strong and so mature that it can even fight on three fronts: scudetto, Champions League and Coppa Italia. As I have already said, I believe that the Triplete is possible, and it would be deserved by these boys who are showing great professionalism, as well as strictly footballing prowess. Merit also goes to the managers and the club, which supports the team as one must do when one wants to achieve important goals. Tonight’s game will be a chess match. I expect Bayern to take over the ball of the game, and in that case Inter will have to be skillful in not getting crushed and break away immediately at speed. These scrambles can be decisive: the Germans are almost never well positioned defensively, so they can be caught uncovered. It will be Inter’s strength, athletic power and experience that will have to make the difference. Crucially, the Nerazzurri should not be too influenced by the result of the first leg: tonight is a different match, another feat is needed to win a place in the semifinals”.