Simone Inzaghi says ‘our work is not done’ ahead of Inter’s game away to Benfica

By Sports Desk November 28, 2023

Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi has vowed there is still work to do as they look for top spot in Champions League Group D.

The Serie A leaders are second in the table, behind Real Sociedad on goal difference, with two games left.

The pair have already qualified and are fighting for top spot, with RB Salzburg and Benfica out of contention.

Inter face Benfica in Portugal on Wednesday and Inzaghi is not prepared to settle for second place.

He told a pre-match press conference: “Our work is not done yet; there is first place to be earned and we must play well against Benfica. We know that Real Sociedad are still technically top of the group.

“It is the fourth time we are facing Benfica in six months but it will be even more difficult on their own turf, because the crowd really push them on.”

Inzaghi is expected to make changes with Alexis Sanchez available after missing the draw at Juventus. Yann Aurel Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij and Davy Klaassen are also poised to start.

Benfica lost 1-0 to Inter in October and have lost all four games in Group D but sit top of the Primeira Liga, ahead of Porto on goal difference.

Roger Schmidt’s side cannot qualify for the last 16 but still have a chance of finishing third in the group and are three points behind RB Salzburg with two matches left.

Schmidt said: “We know what to expect from Inter. The fact that they are already qualified does not mean that they will play in a very different way.

“They have their ambitions at this stage of the Champions League. We have to be focused on our game. We are not happy with our situation, but we have the opportunity to win a game against Inter, who have been performing well.”

Defender Morato also has his sights set on reaching the Europa League by finishing third.

He added: “This match represents everything for us. There are two games left, and we didn’t achieve the main objective of qualifying for the round of 16, but we want to continue in the Europa League next year.

“We will go in search of victory, as always, and we have to take a big step.”

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