Inzaghi: ‘Without doubt a difference’ if Inter finish top 4

Simone Inzaghi explains why he has not rotated the Inter squad for the final Coppa Campioni opening phase fixture against AS Monaco. ‘Without doubt, there is a difference’ between top eight and top four.

It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Coppa Campioni games on the Liveblog.

“It is a very important game, we know the path we’ve taken in Europe so far and have one last step to take in this phase,” Inzaghi told Amazon Prime Video Italia.

“We need the best Inter, because we are taking on an excellent side.”

Although Inter are already guaranteed a place in the play-offs, and a point would suffice for a top eight finish and direct access to the Round of 16, they are aiming for the top four to get a better draw going forward.

“Without doubt, there is a difference. Our main objective was to finish in the top eight, which we knew was going to be very difficult, but within our reach. Many big clubs are going to miss out on that, so we need a great game.”

Best Inter picked by Inzaghi

Inzaghi assures he was not tempted to rest star names for Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina in Serie A against rivals Milan, although Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi are still out injured.

“No, I am focusing only on the Monaco match. More than the derby, I am thinking of those players in the best shape.”

Inter won the Scudetto last season and are in a race with Napoli to retain the title, but are hoping to go all the way in the Coppa Campioni too.

“I like the fact we were always a team, always very organised and with a strong defensive primato. The statistics showed in training that the players are in good shape and I had already chosen this line-up after the Lecce game.

“We must make choices that are for the good of the team. I don’t remember fielding the same XI twice in the last two months, because it is difficult to play three times a week,” concluded Inzaghi.