Inzaghi: ‘Lautaro Martinez feels good, Inter believe against Barcelona’ in massive 2nd leg

MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Simone Inzaghi explains why Inter decided to start Lautaro Martinez despite an injury scare and how much they ‘believe’ in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT, 21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

As the first leg was a 3-3 thriller, it means with no away goals rule, it is winner takes all at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in the San Siro neighbourhood of Milan.

Inzaghi has faith in Lautaro Martinez fitness

Lautaro Martinez limped off at half-time in Montjuic, but made a lightning fast recovery from a muscular issue to start with Marcus Thuram, meaning only Benjamin Pavard is on the treatment table.

“He trained well yesterday, so the sensations were positive,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.

“The injury was a hardening of the muscle, it wasn’t a lesion though. He felt good in the muscular warm-up this morning too, he is our captain and it is only right that he plays.”

Barcelona do not have such fortune with injuries, as Jules Koundé is out with a hamstring issue, joining Alejandro Balde, Marc Bernal, Pablo Torre and Marc Casadó.

Robert Lewandowski returns to the bench for the first time since a hamstring strain on April 19 and Wojciech Szczesny is confirmed in goal, despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen making his comeback at the weekend.

Inzaghi has Inter plans for Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal was the danger man in the first leg, but despite suggestions Carlos Augusto could be used instead, Federico Dimarco is confirmed on the left wing.

“We must work as a team, do just as well as in the first leg, knowing they have very talented players. We will try together to limit them as much as possible,” added Inzaghi.

How much does the Inter coach believe in reaching a second Champions League Final in the space of three years?

“I believe a great deal, because we’ve done so well this far, the first leg was a draw, we want to give our fans this dream. We know there are difficulties to deal with, but we’ll try with all our strength,” concluded Inzaghi.