Nerazzurri Vice President Javier Zanetti: “Inter & Real Madrid Equally Matched, Suning Brought Stability & Scudetto” | OneFootball

Inter Vice President Javier Zanetti feels that this evening’s Champions League clash between the Nerazzurri and Real Madrid should be a closely fought contest.

Speaking to Spanish news outlet Marca, the Nerazzurri executive gave the view that the two teams are at the same level ahead of the group stage encounter and also praised owners Suning for guiding the club to the Scudetto.

Inter have already faced Real once this season, in the first group stage match of the Champions League at the San Siro, and they lost 1-0 to a last-minute winner from Merengues striker Rodrygo.

The Nerazzurri’s performance in that match suggested that they are not a afraid of Real and can more than compete with the team from the Spanish capital.

Now both sides have secured progression to the knockout rounds of the competition with a match to spare, and they will play against each other for top spot in the group coming off of great domestic form in their respective leagues.

Zanetti stated that “Facing Real Madrid at home is always difficult because they know how to play these types of games.”

“The good thing is that we have both qualified and we play without that pressure,” he went on. “Our team are doing well thanks to a great job from Inzaghi and the guys. I think it will be an even match.”

The Vice President stated that “Inter have their identity and have quality players who will also try to prove it in Madrid. Then, you can win or lose, but Inter’s identity is very clear.”

He spoke about the ownership of Suning, explaining that “With the new owners we won Serie A, we reached the final of the Europa League, we returned to the knockout stages of the Champions League after 10 years… and stability is taking place, which is key.”

Zanetti went on that “I was very close [to joining Real Madrid] and I already said that I felt honoured by the interest of such a club.”

“It was at the time when Jorge Valdano was sporting director,” he went on.” But everyone knows my story and they knew that Inter is my home. That is why I decided to stay here.”

He elaborated that “I identified myself with Inter and the fact is that I was also playing for a club with a lot of history, although we had difficulties at the time.”

“Things didn’t happen and I didn’t want to leave without making a mark. I was the captain and had a great responsibility. And I stayed,” he added.

He also had words for Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, stating that “Carlo is highly respected for his entire career here and for the way he is.”

“He is always a very calm man, with very clear ideas,” he added. “In victory or defeat he always behaves the same. I have a lot of respect for him.”