Lucio: I wish Inzaghi a night like Mourinho in Barcelona | OneFootball

Inter legend Lucio feels Simone Inzaghi deserves a night like José Mourinho in Barcelona and picks two key players for the Nerazzurri.

Inter visit Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals tonight.

Marcus Thuram has returned to action and is expected to start tonight, while Benjamin Pavard won’t be available.

Lucio won a historic treble with Inter under Mourinho in 2010, beating Pep Guardiola’s legendary Barcelona side in the semifinals.

That time, the second leg was played in Barcelona after Inter’s 3-1 win at San Siro. The Nerazzurri lost 1-0 in Spain, but it was enough to qualify for the Final.

Inzaghi deserves a night like Mourinho in Barcelona, says Lucio

“I remember Mourinho’s run at the end of the game; the credit for that achievement will always belong to him,” Lucio told Gazzetta.

“I wish Inzaghi a night like that; he deserves it for the work he’s done.”

Inzaghi’s Inter, however, have lost the last three games across all competitions.

“Barcelona’s attacking power is impressive; they create chances and pose a danger from every area, but Inter’s defensive ability, especially in the Champions League, is equally remarkable,” Lucio argued.

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho lifts the trophy in front of his team after winning the UEFA Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, 22 May 2010. EPA/EMILIO NARANJO NO MOBILE DEVICES

“Every game is different, but this Inter side has a tactical knowledge that allows them to defend in an organised way.

“They have physically strong centre-backs, a focused team spirit and the hunger to go all the way. They also have an essential technique to play out from the back and launch counter-attacks, especially Bastoni.”

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal played down comparisons with Leo Messi during a post-match press conference on Tuesday.

“Lamine is extraordinary. It’s not normal to be this good and decisive at just 17, but Messi’s career is unique and is still going after so many years,” argued Lucio.

“You can’t compare them yet. It’s far too early. Yamal needs many more seasons and goals. On the other flank, Raphinha is just as dangerous. He’s a technical leader for the whole team. Inter will need an effective double-mark on the wings tonight.”

Besides Bastoni, Lucio believes Inter will rely on another key player tonight.

“Dumfries can be just as decisive; he’ll need to defend and attack. I can see him winning duels with his physical strength,” he said.

“Against Barcelona, you always need to win individual duels.

“I won’t make predictions, but Inter are as glorious as Barcelona. They start on par, and Inter have everything to succeed. The Nerazzurri fans believe in them, and it’s beautiful when the team and the supporters are a unit. We know that feeling well.”

The decider will be played at San Siro next week, on Tuesday, May 6.