Inter Milan Coach Simone Inzaghi On Roma Linked Italy Star: “Could Start Against Sparta Prague, Acerbi To Miss Lecce Clash Too”

Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi has offered updates on first-team stars Davide Frattesi and Francesco Acerbi.

Last season’s Scudetto winner addressed the media ahead of tomorrow’s UEFA Champions League game against Sparta Prague via FCInterNews.

The Nerazzurri head to the Czech Republic in the penultimate round of fixtures, seeking another crucial win.

Despite Sparta’s underwhelming European campaign, Inzaghi expects a ‘tough’ match.

“It will be a tough game,” he said.

“I still have a couple of doubts, and I’ll make my decisions tomorrow morning.

“They haven’t played an official match since December 15, but they’ve done well in friendlies.

Playing here on this field, where I’ve played myself, is never easy.”

Inzaghi credited Sparta for their physicality and tenacity, even though they’re on the cusp of a league-phase elimination.

“Sparta is a physical team that plays vertically,” he added. “They defend with five at the back, but their system can change.

“They’re a strong side – solid in their first two games and only losing to strong opponents like City and Atletico.

“We’ll need a determined Inter because they have the Champions League in their DNA.”

Inzaghi has mixed memories of his previous visits to Prague as a player.

When asked whether he remembers facing Czech opposition, he replied: “Yes, with Lazio, I scored twice in Rome, and here I provided an assist for Ravanelli.

“With Mancini as coach, it wasn’t a good night since we didn’t qualify. The first memories are positive, the later ones less so.

“Tomorrow will be my first time here as a coach, and we hope to have a great game.”

Inter Milan Manager Simone Inzaghi Delivers Update on Davide Frattesi & Francesco Acerbi

Despite being heavily linked with a January transfer to Roma, Davide Frattesi is in contention for a place in the starting line-up.

After overcoming a minor fitness problem, the 25-year-old could start against Sparta tomorrow.

“He trained very well yesterday and today,” Inzaghi said. “Against Empoli, he wanted to join us on the bench, but he wasn’t available.

“Now I’m deciding whether to start him or not. Barella has started seven consecutive matches, so I need to choose between them.

“Davide has been doing well, and I’m pleased with his work in recent days.

“He’s calm and enjoys being part of the group, and seeing him work like this gives me hope.”

As for Acerbi, he’s still on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

“The club is always with us, and we’re monitoring the situation, but I wouldn’t change any players,” Inzaghi stated.

“Acerbi is working hard and seemed close to returning last Sunday against Empoli, but he still can’t push at full capacity.

“We don’t want to rush him, so he won’t be available for Lecce either. He needs more time training individually, but I’m calm.

“He’s crucial for us and will be back soon.”

Inzaghi also played down recent talks linking Tajon Buchanan with a winter exit.

“I spoke to all the players as a group. I asked everyone, and no one said they want to leave.

“For him, it’s the same as the others – he had an injury, he’s training, and it’s up to him to carve out his space. Both Inter and I trust him.”

Public Opinion

Inzaghi doesn’t care about the way the Italian public perceives him and his side’s achievements.

“There’s no problem,” he claimed. “I don’t like people talking about me. They should talk about Inter and the great work we’re doing.

“We aim to keep performing well in both the Champions League and Serie A. We want to defend our title, knowing we have strong rivals.

“In the Champions League, we want to be protagonists. It’s part of Inter’s DNA, and we can’t neglect anything.

“There are many matches ahead, but as a coach, I enjoy them, and I hope everyone can contribute until the end.

“We rely on everyone, including those currently unavailable, and hope they return soon because I need them all.”