‘One small step’ left for Inzaghi’s Champions League final dream

Inter needs to avoid a collapse in the second leg of its all-Italian tie in order to reach a clash with either Real Madrid or Manchester City in Istanbul.

Published : May 11, 2023 07:18 IST , Milan - 2 MINS READ

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi giving instructions to his players during the Champions League first leg semifinal against AC Milan at San Siro on May 10, 2023.
Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi giving instructions to his players during the Champions League first leg semifinal against AC Milan at San Siro on May 10, 2023. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
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Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi giving instructions to his players during the Champions League first leg semifinal against AC Milan at San Siro on May 10, 2023. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Simone Inzaghi can already see his Inter Milan team in next month’s Champions League final after an impressive 2-0 win over city rival AC Milan in the last four on Wednesday.

Inter needs to avoid a collapse in the second leg of its all-Italian tie in order to reach a clash with either Real Madrid or Manchester City in Istanbul.

And Inzaghi was in a confident mood after watching his team dominate the first leg, missing several chances to make the scoreline humiliating for its cross-town rival.

“We played a brilliant first half, but it’s a tight scoreline for what we did out there,” Inzaghi told reporters.

“Then in the second half we managed the game well. Apart from (Sandro) Tonali’s shot (which hit the post) the boys did great in covering the whole pitch.

“It’s a hugely positive night which gives us a lot of satisfaction but we’re missing one more piece to attain a dream that we believed in since August.

“There are still seven days left. We know we’ve got one more small step to go.”

Milan could have star man Rafael Leao back for Tuesday’s second leg after the Portugal winger missed Wednesday’s match with a thigh injury.

Also Read | Champions League: Milan’s Pioli remains upbeat after bitter semifinal loss to Inter

Leao is crucial to Milan’s attack and his absence made Inter’s job that much easier, but Inzaghi isn’t worried about the 23-year-old’s potential return next week.

“We have played loads of derbies with Leao playing and without him playing,” said Inzaghi.

“He’s a great player who is very important for them but it won’t change our plan for the match.”

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