Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has dismissed the notion that today’s Champions League match against Manchester City is a rematch of last year’s final. The Serie A champions were defeated 1-0 by Pep Guardiola’s side in the 2023 final, but Inzaghi insists that the changes to the Champions League format and the reduced stakes make it a significantly different encounter.
“Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new Champions League, which will be markedly different,” the Inter boss stated at a press conference on Tuesday. “I revisited the final a month ago during our training camp. I don’t consider it a rematch because it’s not a final; it’s a group game within the new Champions League format.”
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Inzaghi expressed enthusiasm for the revised format, which sees clubs play eight matches in a 36-team league phase instead of the traditional group stage. However, he also acknowledged the potential burden on players due to the increased number of games. His comments echoed those of City midfielder Rodri, who recently suggested that players were on the brink of going on strike due to the grueling schedule.
“We are aware of the demanding schedule, and we coaches are cognizant of that,” Inzaghi remarked. “Preparing for these games is both beautiful and exciting for a coach. I recognize the challenges, but we are determined to overcome them. I will need to rotate players as much as possible. Today, we are without Federico Dimarco and Marko Arnautovic, but we have become accustomed to limited rotation over the past two years.”
The manager added that he is urging his team to play aggressively and with determination against a Manchester City side that has not lost at home in the competition since 2018.
