Inzaghi: Sparta Prague a ‘tough’ game for Inter, Frattesi gives me hope

epa11742455 Inter Milan’s head coach Simone Inzaghi catches the game ball during the UEFA Champions League between Inter Milan and RB Leipzig at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 26 November 2024. EPA-EFE/Daniel Dal Zennaro

Simone Inzaghi warns Inter will need all their determination to defeat Sparta Prague in a ‘tough’ game and close in on direct access to the Champions League round-of-18, as they have a chance of retaining a spot in the top eight by securing a win in their league phase’s second-last match.

The Nerazzurri coach reiterated his side’s will to be ‘protagonists’ on the European stage while also keeping up their title challenge, admitting he still has ‘a few doubts’ about the starting XI he will line up on Wednesday, with wantaway Davide Frattesi in contention to get the nod over one of Inter’s stars.

Inzaghi wants ‘determined’ Inter against Sparta Prague and could start Frattesi

“It’s going to be a tough match,” Inzaghi told reporters in a pre-match press conference, as quoted by Fcinternews.

“I still have a few doubts, and I’ll have to decide. There are a couple of doubts and I’ll keep them until tomorrow morning.

“They haven’t played an official match since December 15, but they’ve done well in friendlies, and playing here on this pitch, where I’ve also played, is never easy.

“Sparta are a physical team that plays vertical football. They defend with five at the back, but their formation can adapt. They’re a strong team; they did well in their first two matches and only lost to top opponents like City and Atletico.

“We’ll need a determined Inter; they have Champions League DNA.

“I don’t like people talking about me; they should talk about Inter, who are on a great path. We need to keep doing what we’re doing in both the Champions League and Serie A.

“We want to defend the Scudetto, knowing we have strong opponents. In the Champions League, we aim to be protagonists—it’s in Inter’s DNA, and we must leave nothing to chance.

“There are many matches ahead, but as a coach, I love this. I hope everyone can help me until the end. Everyone contributes, both to me and the fans. Some players are out right now, but I hope they return soon because I need everyone.”

Frattesi has been the object of transfer speculations in recent weeks, with rumours suggesting he’s asked to leave the club this January, but Inzaghi insisted he ‘trained very well’, to the extent he’s considering fielding the former Sassuolo midfielder in the place of Nicolò Barella.

“He trained very well yesterday and today,” the manager continued.

“Against Empoli, he wanted to come to the bench with us, but he wasn’t available. Now I’m deciding whether to start him or not.

“Barella has started seven matches in a row, and I need to choose between the two. Davide has done well, and I’m happy because he’s worked hard over the past few days. He’s calm, enjoys being with the group, and seeing him work as he has recently gives me hope.”

Francesco Acerbi’s poor fitness has sparked worries among Inter staff and directors, who may be forced to bring in a defender in the winter transfer window, and the 48-year-old explained his return date has been postponed because ‘he still can’t push at full intensity’.

“The club is always with us, monitoring the situation, but I wouldn’t change any player,” Inzaghi claimed.

“Acerbi is working well and seemed close to returning last Sunday against Empoli, but he still can’t push at full intensity. We don’t want to rush him.

“He won’t be available for Lecce either; he needs to continue working on his own. I’m not worried, though. He’s crucial for us, and he’ll be back soon.”