Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale scores his team's second goal during the first leg match against FC Barcelona (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Former AC Milan defender Taye Taiwo has cautioned Inter Milan to aim for an early goal in the return leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie against Barcelona.
The Nerazzurri will welcome the Spanish giants to the San Siro Stadium on Tuesday with a place in the final at stake after settling for a 3-3 draw in Barcelona a week ago.
Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries starred for Inter in Catalonia with a brace and an assist, while Lamine Yamal was at the centre of Barcelona’s dominance with his playmaking and mesmerizing skills.
Inter Milan are winless in their last five matches in all competitions, but Simone Inzaghi’s men would need to put an end to such poor form to make it into the Champions League final for the second time in three years.
When asked about Inter Milan’s chances against Barcelona, Taiwo told RG: “For me, they have a big opportunity for sure, but it is not going to be easy to play against Barcelona. The two teams are currently tied at 3-3 so Inter have to be very careful when they play at home.
“If Inter can score an early goal [on Tuesday], I believe they have the quality to go through with their strong defence.”
AC Milan’s Moment of Redemption
Taiwo, who spent two years at AC Milan, also urged his former team, the Rossoneri, to win the Coppa Italia for the club faithful who have stood with them amid their inconsistency this season.
Milan will face Bologna in the final scheduled for the Stadio Olimpico on May 14, just a few days after the two teams face each other at the San Siro Stadium in Serie A.
The Coppa Italia triumph would guarantee AC Milan’s qualification for the UEFA Europa League next season, as they currently occupy the ninth position in the league table.
“Bologna has always been a tricky opponent for Milan teams, just like you saw against Inter two weeks ago. It’s not going to be a very easy game for AC Milan," Taiwo told RG. "It is a different ball game when you have to go to the Coppa Italia final. It is a final and you never know what’s going to happen, but I really hope for AC Milan to win. The fans really deserve the title. Their support for the team throughout this season is commendable even with the good and bad run of results.”
“It’s very important for Milan.”
Marseille’s Road to Champions League
The former Nigeria international, who won the French Ligue 1 with Marseille in the 2009-10 campaign, also encouraged Roberto Di Zerbi’s side to take Sunday’s league trip to Lille with all seriousness.
Marseille find themselves challenging OGC Nice, Lille, AS Monaco, Olympique Lyon and Strasbourg for Champions League qualification, with a combined four points separating the five teams.
“Sunday’s game is very important for Marseille because if they win this game, they will be one step into the Champions League," Taiwo said. “They always perform at home but they have struggled to get results on the road, which is affecting the overall team’s performance."
Taiye Taiwo
