Coach Inzaghi warns Inter players about Lamine Yamal ahead of Champions League clash vs. Barcelona
Inter Milan will host FC Barcelona at the San Siro on Tuesday for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal, looking to secure a spot in the final after a thrilling 3–3 draw in the first leg. With just one day to go, head coach Simone Inzaghi issued a clear warning to his players about Barcelona’s star Lamine Yamal.
The 17-year-old was one of the standout performers in the first leg, scoring a goal and wreaking havoc with his dribbling and creativity, forcing Inter’s defense to scramble throughout the match. During Monday’s pre-match press conference, Inzaghi had high praise for the young winger.
“He’s incredibly difficult to stop. We should try to keep the ball from reaching him, but in today’s soccer, that’s very hard. We’ll double-mark him and give him our full attention, but he’s a huge talent. The team gives him the ball in the most difficult moments. What impressed me the most is how quickly he thinks—he already knows what to do as soon as the ball gets to him,” the coach stated.
When asked about his plan to contain Yamal, the Inter boss hinted at possible tactical adjustments: “We’ll see tomorrow. Dimarco and Carlos Augusto have played together many times, so anything is possible. It’s fair to focus on Lamine, who is an outstanding player, but we also have to think about all the other talents Barcelona have.”
Inter had a 2–0 lead in the first leg but were unable to hold off Barcelona’s relentless attack. With everything still to play for, Inzaghi will look to his home crowd at the San Siro to help push the team into the final—and hopes his plan to neutralize Yamal will pay off.
Inter star Bastoni praises Yamal
Lamine Yamal has presented a challenge for every defender he’s faced, including Inter center-back Alessandro Bastoni. The Spanish prodigy’s ability to drift wide or drop deep has caused problems for Inter, and Bastoni admitted as much when asked about him.
“Lamine Yamal is the best player I’ve ever played against. His ability to create chances is the best I’ve seen. We have to double or even triple mark him,” said the Italian defender, mirroring the idea coach Inzaghi stated to neutralize the young star.
Despite the threat posed by Yamal, Bastoni remains confident as Inter prepares for a massive European night: “We have to give one hundred percent—this is a Champions League semifinal. We’re really looking forward to this match. We know what’s at stake and we’re very aware of it. The group is highly motivated. All of the Nerazzurri fans are waiting for this game.”