If You Want To Go To The Champions League Final, Inter Milan Must Stop Lamine Yamal

JAKARTA - Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi said his team was confident they could beat Barcelona on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, early morning WIB. He warned they should stop Lamine Yamal's "fast thinking" if they want to reach the Champions League final.

Yamal became the star of Barcelona's revival from behind and imposed a 3-3 draw in the semifinal first leg at the Olympic Lluis Companys in the middle of last week.

"We need to keep it away from the ball, but it's impossible. Whether it's double guard duty or one player who follows it up close, we'll always try to pay attention to it. It's a great talent at the age of 17."

"Seeing him directly, he is very dangerous. Everyone gives him the ball. What impressed me was his speed of thought."

"He is a very fast thinker. Even before receiving the ball, he always knew what steps to take," Inzaghi told a news conference.

Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is one of the players who may be assigned to stop Yamal.

He first faced the teenager with Italy at Euro 2024 last summer, which Spain won. He was impressed by his increase since then.

"I think so. I've faced it at Euro 2024. At that time, he wasn't at this level."

"I'm impressed by how much improvement he's made. I've played against many top players."

"In terms of age and the ability to create something, he is one of the best, if not the best," Bastoni told Sky Sport.

Yamal and his strikers, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, have been declared fit to play against Inter Milan after missing Barcelona's last four games. However, the Nerazzurri are optimistic about reaching the final.

They have the advantage of playing at home, Giuseppe Meazza, in the second leg. Inter Milan have also risen from three consecutive defeats.

"We are facing a strong team. We have felt it firsthand in the first leg. However, I look forward to seeing Inter Milan be great against Barcelona. We know the importance of this match."

"This will require a great performance. We have to be excited and think clearly."

"This team believes in their ability to win this game and can't wait to see it."

"There is tension. This is almost final and we will play it in front of our supporters," said Inzaghi.

Inter Milan had no new injury problems after making 10 changes in their 1-0 win in Serie A last weekend against Verona. Now, they are only three points adrift of the leaders of the Napoli standings.

Inzaghi now just has to hope for defender Benjamin Pavard and striker Lautaro Martinez to come down against Barcelona.

Pavard missed the last two games with an ankle injury, while Martinez had to leave the pitch in the first half in a draw with Barcelona last week.

"Pavard is in part session (on Sunday, May 4, 2025) and in good condition. Lautaro is out for a week. So, we'll see how his condition is and what decision we will make."

"With Lautaro, it all depends on his condition. However, it will be difficult for a player to help us for 25 minutes if he is not ready to start the game," said Inzaghi.