Inter-Atletico Madrid: Simone Inzaghi praise, Koke to die for the cause and Diego Simeone on Lautaro Martinez

Inter Milan host Atletico Madrid in what is a mouth-watering clash in the Champions League this evening, with kick-off set for 21:00 CEST. Inter have been ripping through Serie A of late, and hold a commanding lead, but Los Rojiblancos have shown they can mix it with anyone at their best this season, winning two, drawing one and losing just once in extra time against Real Madrid in their four meetings this season.

“The best thing about them is their collective. They know what they are playing at every game. They have a well-prepared block and it is their greatest virtue,” explained Atletico Madrid captain Koke Resurreccion about their opponents.

However he was keen to focus on their own virtues rather than try to cancel out the Nerazzurri.

“In the end we try to look at what we do well ourselves. If we come out with an idea and die with it, we will be closer to beating the big sides. There are times when you can play well and other times you have to suffer. You have to be up to the task, it is a spectacular match. The level in the Champions League rises and we have to raise the level,” Koke told Diario AS.

Atletico Madrid fans invade the streets of Milan, and the Inter fans responded with the Real Madrid anthem. pic.twitter.com/JOIkRouNsh

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) February 20, 2024

The clash will see Inter captain face the side he had initially agreed to join from Racing in Argentina, before Inter swooped in at the last minute. Diego Simeone said he was happy that things had worked out for Martinez though.

“There are very young players, not only Lautaro, who could have signed with us. They are very good footballers, he chose another path, in the end it has been very good for him, we see that from what has happened to