Ex-Inter head coach explains how to beat Bodo/Glimt: ‘San Siro advantage’
Former Inter head coach Andrea Stramaccioni has had his say on Inter’s upcoming Champions League play-off round second leg against Bodo/Glimt and has explained what Cristian Chivu’s side need to do to overturn the 3-1 deficit against the Norwegian outfit.
Inter head into the second leg of their Champions League tie against Bodo/Glimt requiring a victory by at least two goals to keep the tie alive. The Nerazzurri will need to win by three goals if they wish to avoid a penalty shootout.
The winner of tonight’s tie will progress to the Champions League round of 16.
Stramaccioni on Inter vs. Bodo/Glimt: ‘San Siro is always an advantage’
Speaking in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, former Nerazzurri head coach Stramaccioni explained what Inter need to do if they aere to overturn the 3-1 deficit against Bodo/Glimt.
“By playing as Inter, by showing conviction of their ideas and the quality of the team that is currently dominating Serie A,” he explained.
Despite the fact that captain Lautaro Martinez picked up an injury during the first leg and will be unavailable on Tuesday evening, Stramaccioni believes that Chivu will have no issues in terms of his formation or personnel.
“There should be no tactical upheaval,” he said. “And additionally, the win in Lecce and the defeats from Milan and Napoli means that Chivu has the peace of mind to choose his best XI.
“He was missing Dimarco and one of his playmakers in the first leg, two effects which also meant he had to ‘sacrifice’ Barella by playing him deeper.”
And after braving the arctic conditions at Bodo/Glimt’s Aspmyra Stadion last week, it is now down to Inter to prove what they are capable of doing on their own turf.
“San Siro is and will always be an advantage for Inter,” said Stramaccioni. “It will be a very intense atmosphere.
“As for the grass and the temperature, that certainly had an impact in the first leg, as it did against Manchester City and other illustrious victims who fell in Norway.
“But, be careful because Bodo aren’t just like that on their own pitch: Exactly one month ago, they went and won against Atletico in Madrid with the exact same starting XI.”
This is not expected to be a walk in the park for Inter. There are still ways in which Bodo/Glimt can hurt the Nerazzurri, as Stramaccioni explains: “Those who watch Inter know that in this part of the season without Dumfries, the area between the wing-back and the defender on the right of the back three has often been more vulnerable.
“Hogh is Bodo’s most important player. The Dane has had enquiries from the Premier League and perfectly embodies Knutsen’s style of play. Skilled at playing from deep but also quick in tight spaces. Almost all of Bodo’s attacks go through him. Five goals and three assists in the Champions League testify to that.”
And how will Inter cope without talisman Lautaro at centre-forward?
“Without Lautaro, Thuram has the experience and international charisma to lead the attack in a game that Inter have to approach in a big way. Pio and Bonny will alternate depending on Chivu’s reading of the game, as it was against Lecce.
“These are games that you have to approach with intensity, but also manage with calm and experience. We have to attack with energy and rhythm while always staying in the game.
“They can’t have a repeat of the second half in Bodo. They need to be ferocious i their marking and minimise their ability to play on transition. I’m convinced it won’t be easy, but if Inter play like Inter, they will overturn it.”