Zanetti: Inter ‘wouldn’t be here’ without penalty for Liverpool

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 22: Javier Zanetti, Vice President of FC Internazionale celebrates after winning the Serie A TIM title after winning the the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti says the Nerazzurri will ‘take care of every detail’ for a Champions League knockout play-off against Bodo/Glimt, but notes: ‘We’re missing that point against Liverpool; otherwise, we wouldn’t be here now.’

Inter have been drawn against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League knockout play-off. The Nerazzurri will play the first leg in Norway on February 17 or 18, while the decider will be hosted at San Siro a week later.

Zanetti comments on Inter’s Champions League play-off draw

“We need to dress warmly; we’ve seen the temperatures. It’s going to be very cold,” Zanetti told Sky Sport Italia, smiling.

“We’ll need attention and we have to prepare in the best possible way. Inter want to be protagonists in the Champions League as well. Unfortunately, we’re missing that point against Liverpool; otherwise, we wouldn’t be here now. We accept everything, and now we’re getting ready to face a team that must not be underestimated.”

Inter lost 1-0 at home against Liverpool on December 9, but the Reds’ win was determined by a controversial penalty awarded in the final minutes.

Had Inter drawn that game, they would have had 16 points and a better goal difference than both Sporting CP and Chelsea, qualifying for the Round of 16 via the top eight in the standings.

Inter, however, avoided a meeting with their ex-coach José Mourinho, whose Benfica side will once again face Real Madrid in the Champions League play-off.

“José is a great man; we know him very well. I always think of so many memories connected to him. But we’re facing Bodo, and we’ll prepare as well as possible for that match. Then, as things progress, we’ll see what happens,” Zanetti said.

“We’ll certainly take care of every detail; the artificial turf should not be underestimated either, as it can present dangers. It’s never easy. We’ll prepare for everything.”

Lastly, Zanetti answered a question about the transfer market.

“Ausilio and Baccin are working on it. We’ll see if opportunities come up, but the team is strong. We want to be competitive in both the Champions League and Serie A,” he concluded.