Inter Milan Seeks Champions League Quarterfinal Berth Against Feyenoord

MILAN, Italy (AP) — Inter Milan is gearing up for a crucial second leg in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, hosting Feyenoord on Tuesday after securing a 2-0 lead in the first leg. Coach Simone Inzaghi addressed the media on Monday, highlighting the team’s commitment to navigating a grueling schedule.

“We have to be proud of what we’re doing; these guys find the energy,” Inzaghi said. The Serie A leaders will not only face Feyenoord on the European stage but also prepare for a pivotal league match against Atalanta on Sunday.

Inter’s tally of matches has increased due to their advancement in other competitions, including reaching the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia. Despite some injury setbacks, Inzaghi expressed confidence in his squad’s depth and ability to handle the pressure. “The schedule should not be a problem but an incentive,” he added.

Injuries, however, remain a concern. Midfielder Piotr Zielinski has reportedly strained a muscle and could miss up to two months. Additionally, leading scorer Lautaro Martínez and defender Stefan de Vrij were both absent from training, prompting speculation about their availability for the Feyenoord match.

Inzaghi noted, “I will rotate according to the physical state of the players. We have some fatigue to evaluate.” While the status of Martínez and de Vrij is uncertain, the coach remains optimistic, stating, “I have a good feeling about them.”

In a significant boost, Inter will welcome back goalkeeper Samir Handanović, who has recovered from a thumb fracture and is set to start against Feyenoord. Inzaghi praised his performance, noting, “He has done great things for us in the last year and a half.”

Inter has shown impressive defensive prowess in recent matches, including four matches in the Champions League without conceding a single goal. They secured a 3-2 league victory over Monza in their last match, indicating their current form.

Feyenoord, on the other hand, must adopt an attacking strategy to overturn the deficit. The Dutch club has failed to score in three of their last five matches across all competitions, which poses a challenge against Inter’s strong defense.

The match is set to kick off at 3:55 PM local time at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, with fans eager to watch if Inter can maintain their advantage and secure a place among Europe’s elite.