MY ACCOUNT
Inter deserve more respect in the Champions League after progressing from a group containing Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Nerazzurri goalkeeper Andre Onana says.
Simone Inzaghi’s side finished second in Group C in UEFA’s top club competition, with a home win and an away draw against Xavi’s Blaugrana proving crucial to their group-stage progression.
Inter then negotiated a tough last-16 task against Porto, winning 1-0 on aggregate in the two-legged affair, and face Benfica in the quarter-final.
The Nerazzurri could face either runaway Serie A leaders Napoli or Milan in the last four as Italian clubs dominate in Europe, and Onana believes his side should get more credit.
“We deserve more respect in Europe, given that we sent Barcelona to the Europa League and faced a complicated group,” he told Mediaset on Tuesday.
“We have shown that we are a strong team. It doesn’t matter what will happen in the next round, we will face Benfica to win. I want to win everything.”
The Scudetto appears destined for Napoli, who are 19 points clear at the Serie A summit, but Inter are still fighting on two fronts for silverware.
Alongside their Champions League exploits, a Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus awaits, with the first leg coming in a week at Allianz Stadium.
Onana insists Inter can go all the way due to their preparations and performances under Inzaghi.
He added: “We must always play without fear. If there is fear, it’s better not to take the field. A difficult month awaits us, but we prepare every day to play matches like those against Juventus and Benfica.
“I am convinced that if we work in the right way, it will be a month full of satisfaction.”
Before the Coppa Italia clash with Juventus, Inter – who are third in Serie A – host Fiorentina in the league on Saturday.
