UEFA Champions League: Inzaghi happy with progress at Inter

Inter takes on Shakhtar Donetsk and a victory will see it through to the last 16 for the first time since 2011-12 with a game to spare, if Real Madrid does not lose to Moldova's Sheriff Tiraspol.

FILE PHOTO: Inzaghi is taking nothing for granted against the group's bottom side Shakhtar - a team coached by Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi, who left Serie A side Sassuolo at the end of last season.

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi said he is pleased with the progress the team have made since he took charge in the close season, with the Serie A champion closing in on its first Champions League knockout stage qualification in a decade.

Inter takes on Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday knowing victory will see it through to the last 16 for the first time since 2011-12 with a game to spare, as long as Moldova's Sheriff Tiraspol does not beat Real Madrid in Group D's other clash.

In Serie A, the champion ended leader Napoli's unbeaten start to the season with a thrilling 3-2 win on Sunday to close the gap at the top of the standings to four points - which has also contributed to Inzaghi's positive mood.

"There is a process of growth and we're on the right path, but the work is still long," Inzaghi told reporters on Tuesday.

"Each coach has his own ideas. I've found an excellent environment that has welcomed me from day one... we've made great progress.

"I believe the victory over Napoli can give us an important boost, even though we've played well against many good teams this season."

Inzaghi is taking nothing for granted against the group's bottom side Shakhtar - a team coached by Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi, who left Serie A side Sassuolo at the end of last season.

"We know Shakhtar and we know even better De Zerbi and the way he wants to play football," Inzaghi added.

"It'll be an intense, European game, with two teams playing good football. We know reaching the next round is in our hands."