Dimarco on ‘difficult’ Atletico Madrid and Inzaghi impact at Inter | OneFootball

Federico Dimarco underlined how Inter focus on ‘playing their game’ in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie with Atletico Madrid.

The Nerazzurri have one foot in the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition after edging out a 1-0 win over Diego Simeone’s side in their first meeting last month. Inzaghi’s side still remain undefeated in Europe this season and are considered outside favourites for the title.

In the meantime, Simone Inzaghi’s Inter are continuing their charge to the Scudetto, holding a 12-point lead over second place Juventus ahead of their clash with Genoa this evening. Dimarco has been a key figure in the team, scoring four goals and providing eight assists across 30 matches.

Speaking to BeIN Sports via Calciomercato.com, Dimarco first discussed the dangers of Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.

“The match against Atletico will be a very tough, a difficult match, we know what it means to play on difficult pitches like we did last season with Porto, also in the Champions League Round of 16.

“Atletico Madrid are a great team and they’ve demonstrated that in all these years spent with Simeone. We will go there to play our game.”

He spoke highly about Nerazzurri boss Inzaghi.

“The coach has a good relationship with everyone, he makes us laugh, he makes us feel good. But he also knows when he has to make his mark to perhaps lend a hand to the younger guys. We are happy to have him.”

Dimarco highlighted the talismanic nature of star striker Lautaro Martinez.

“We’re talking about one of the strongest strikers in the world, we know his importance in the team, Lautaro is our captain and we hope he continues like this until the end.”

Finally, Dimarco discussed the changing face of the Italy national team following Luciano Spalletti’s appointment.

“Spalletti brought a lot of happiness and a different game from the previous one we had with Mancini. We are trying to learn match after match his way of playing, what he wants and what he asks of us.”