Inzaghi's Inter Focus on Neutralizing Yamal in Champions League Showdown

Simone Inzaghi's Inter Milan looks to contain Barcelona's Lamine Yamal in the Champions League semifinal. Read about the team's approach and key matchups.

The thrilling first leg, marked by early drama and late chaos, showcased Lamine Yamal's record-breaking performance, setting the stage for an intense second leg. Alessandro Bastoni likened the upcoming match to “game seven of the NBA finals,” highlighting the evenly matched nature of the tie.

“I was impressed by the level he reached, for his age and ability to create incredible things on the pitch, I think he is among the best in the world right now.

“We'll have to double, maybe triple (mark) him like we did at times in the first leg, but without exaggerating, otherwise we would create too many spaces. Barcelona is not just Yamal.”

Alessandro Bastoni emphasized the importance of stopping Barcelona's Lamine Yamal in the Champions League semi-final second leg. The 17-year-old's impressive performance in the first leg, which included a stunning goal, showcased his talent and posed a significant threat to Inter's defense.

Bastoni urged his teammates to go all out to limit Yamal's impact, recognizing that containing the young star could be crucial to Inter's chances of advancing in the competition.

“I can only be proud of how far we have come. We are two games away from winning the Champions League. It is our goal, we really want to make a good impression, to make the people who follow us happy.

Bastoni: "We have desire, enthusiasm and confidence. We will give 200%"#ForzaInter #UCL #InterBarcelona

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) May 5, 2025

“We are sure that our fans will give us a big hand at the San Siro, we live for moments like this.”

Inter manager Simone Inzaghi concurred with Bastoni, emphasizing the need to neutralize Lamine Yamal. Inzaghi acknowledged the challenge, saying, “It's very difficult, we'll have to try not to let him get the ball, but that's impossible in modern football.”

Inzaghi's comments came as Inter prepares for the crucial second leg, with defender Benjamin Pavard and goalkeeper Stefan de Vrij's teammate not in doubt but Benjamin Pavard and Dusan Vlahovic not mentioned but one player and Martinez are doubtful.

Inzaghi: "It will be an exciting match. We will need a big performance"#ForzaInter #UCL #InterBarcelona

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) May 5, 2025

Inter manager Simone Inzaghi revealed that the availability of defender Benjamin Pavard and captain Lautaro Martinez remains uncertain ahead of the crucial match. “We will decide on Lautaro and Pavard together with the medical staff and the players, they will have to tell me how they feel,” Inzaghi said, indicating that the final decision would depend on the players' assessment of their fitness.

“On Sunday, Pavard participated in the first part of training and felt okay. Lautaro hasn't trained since Barcelona, so we'll see today how it goes.”

📸 pic.twitter.com/ePBOHLZXTN

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) May 5, 2025