Inzaghi: "We want to take our chances and to make our fans happy"

Inter are preparing to face Feyenoord in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg in The Netherlands on Wednesday 5 March at 18:45 CET. On the evening before the match at De Kuip, Simone Inzaghi has responded to the media's question in his press conference.

What is Feyenoord's biggest threat? How do Inter come into this? On Saturday Feyenoord aren't playing ahead of the second leg, what do you think of that? "They were able to postpone it and they did well. The Champions League Round of 16 is important. We are struggling in a particular area of the pitch. Dimarco is now unavailable as well as Carlos Augusto, Zalewski and Darmian who can all play that role. Either Bastoni and Acerbi will play there but our philosophy won't change".

What are the chances of us seeing Sommer? "He has worked very hard, he had a small issue with his finger, he worked yesterday and today he did two great training sessions. He is available again and we are happy but we are going to stick with Martinez tomorrow".

What sort of game should we expect? "Feyenoord are a physical side with great quality. Their home is a difficult environment, I played there in 2000 for Lazio and I am going there for the first time as a manager but I know that it's a tough atmosphere. They are a quality side that have changed manager, they played well in their last league match and in their last two in the Champions League. We know that there will be a return leg in a week's time but we have to focus on the match ahead and the boys have done a quality day and a half of training".

Are you approaching this Round of 16 tie differently than in the past? "Playing in our fifth Round of 16 tie makes me very happy and it's a great thing, for the team, for the fans and we must work hard. We care so much, and we are facing a team that has caused major challenges for visiting sides but we are looking to take our chances here".

Do you have any experience that could tell you about the challenges here? "We know that it's two legged but the boys know that this first leg is so important ahead of the return tie. We need to play really well and I am trying to find the best solutions with so many players out"

What did you learn against Napoli? "Let's speak about tomorrow night. Napoli vs. Inter was similar to the first leg, the boys gave everything and we were in a real crisis with Dimarco and Calhanoglu asking to be subbed off, and then they equalised. We could've done a little more, defended a little better, but despite our change in formation, the substitutes were great. It was a great match, played in difficult conditions and we wanted to take all three points but football is like this sometimes and we are now focused on the next game".

How are Thuram and Calhanoglu? "Thuram has been training regularly and Calhanoglu trained with the squad this morning. I have more doubts in midfield as everyone is available but I will have to make decisions about other areas of the field tomorrow morning after a muscular warm up".

Are you worried about playing so often? "We love playing in three competitions as we don't like watching other teams play, I have done this every year since I've been here and we are determined to win matches, to be competitive and to make our team and fans happy. We don't make excuses and we play despite our injury crisis. I have never had to deal with something like this, I have five injured players and four of them play on the left. We know how much work we have put in to get here, but this is football and we must get on with the demanding football calendar. We move forward with great belief in ourselves"