Former Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi believes his old side can take inspiration from a past Champions League triumph over Chelsea when facing Liverpool over two legs in Europe.
Materazzi was part of the Inter side that won the European Cup during the 2009/10 season, having overcome Chelsea, CSKA Moscow, Barcelona in the knockout phase and later defeating Bayern Munich in the final.
Reflecting on this run to glory, the 48-year-old has admitted that he did not expect to get the better of the Londoners in their Round of 16 tie.
But Inter secured a 3-1 aggregate win to reach the quarter-finals, and Materazzi has urged his former employers as an example that anything can happen as they prepare to take on Jurgen Klopp’s side over two legs.
“Liverpool are perhaps the toughest opponents Inter could’ve drawn, but I do not forget what happened against Chelsea in the Round of 16 in 2010,” he said in the matchday programme for tomorrow’s encounter.
“I remember we faced them in a pre-season friendly in Pasadena and, when we were drawn against them, I thought, how can we beat this lot? They seemed to be on another level.
“However, we were the ones who then qualified! It’s not easy but, if it’s your day, it can be a fundamental push for the rest of the season.”
Liverpool are in a particularly strong position as they prepare to take on the reigning Serie A champions, boasting a fully-fit squad who are high on confidence.
Fully aware of the task in hand facing Inter, Materazzi has urged the Italian giants to generate an atmosphere worthy of the occasion.
“Playing with the Inter jersey in the Champions League is the best thing as San Siro transforms in games of this calibre,” he said.
“We really need that atmosphere. It’ll be fundamental not to show weakness in the first leg because Liverpool are deadly on the counter-attack.”
