Inter Milan legend Beppe Bergomi has advised caution regarding Lautaro Martinez`s potential involvement in the upcoming Champions League match against Barcelona. He also predicts that the Catalan side will employ an aggressive pressing strategy from the start at San Siro.
The two teams are set to face off on Tuesday in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal clash. The previous encounter in Spain ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Bergomi, a former Inter and Italy defender who won the 1982 World Cup, shared his insights during a Sky Sport Italia program on Sunday evening. Inter is currently awaiting updates on Lautaro Martinez`s condition, while Barcelona`s star striker Robert Lewandowski has been confirmed in the traveling squad.
Bergomi`s Perspective on Key Players and Match Dynamics
“Both Lautaro and Lewandowski are crucial players. I anticipate a similar match to the one in Barcelona,” Bergomi stated. He added, “Barcelona is likely to press intensively throughout the game, as Bayern did. Inter needs to withstand this pressure and capitalize on set pieces. However, Barcelona might be slightly more cautious than Bayern, who had to overcome a goal deficit, although it`s not in their nature. They certainly pose a greater threat with Lewandowski in the lineup.”
Regarding Lautaro, who sustained a muscle injury during the previous match in Barcelona and missed Saturday`s Serie A game against Hellas Verona, Bergomi cautioned: “As the captain, Lautaro needs to create opportunities, hold up the ball, and avoid losing possession. However, if he`s dealing with a muscle issue and isn`t fully fit, it`s not worth the risk.”
Inter`s coach, Simone Inzaghi, is expected to provide the latest team updates during a pre-match press conference today. The team is scheduled to train at Appiano Gentile in the afternoon.