‘Inter are the peak of Italian football ... but Liverpool still favourites’ - Ian Rush

The former Liverpool and Juventus striker thinks a meeting with Inter Milan will be a thriller and forecasts Reds to progress.
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Liverpool legend Ian Rush has predicted a high-octane affair at the San Siro on Wednesday night when the Reds take on Inter Milan in the Champions League last-16.

Jurgen Klopp’s side go to Italy as favourites for the tie after becoming the first English team to win all six group games of the European competition back in December.

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But a two-legged fixture against Serie A champions Inter Milan - who are favourites to regain their domestic title this season - will be no walk in the park.

Simone Inzaghi has been a revelation at the San Siro and his Inter Milan are favourites to retain their Serie A title.Simone Inzaghi has been a revelation at the San Siro and his Inter Milan are favourites to retain their Serie A title.
Simone Inzaghi has been a revelation at the San Siro and his Inter Milan are favourites to retain their Serie A title.

Simone Inzaghi’s side finished second in their group behind Real Madrid and are a point behind city rivals AC Milan in the league with a game in hand.

And Rush, who had a short a spell in Italy at Juventus, is looking forward to a thriller.

Speaking to Tuttosport, Rush said: “Inter are the peak of Italian football right now, in the last round of Serie A they picked up a good draw away to Napoli.

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“Tomorrow evening will be a hard-fought match, so despite the fact Liverpool are in good form, it won’t be easy for the Reds.

Liverpool legend Ian Rush signed with Italian side Juventus in1987. Photo: Steve Hale/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesLiverpool legend Ian Rush signed with Italian side Juventus in1987. Photo: Steve Hale/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool legend Ian Rush signed with Italian side Juventus in1987. Photo: Steve Hale/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

“Considering recent results, Liverpool still have to be the favourites. We know anything can happen in football, but over two legs, I’d say Jurgen Klopp’s lads have a 60 per cent chance of qualifying.

“Knockout rounds rarely provide a lot of goals, but if you look at the way Liverpool and Inter both play, it all points towards many scoring opportunities.

“Both teams try to win their games and don’t settle for a draw, they go on the attack and I expect a very open encounter.

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“I predict a score draw at San Siro and a victory at Anfield for the hosts.”

Players have a point to prove

Mohamed Salah and Alisson have both faced Inter Milan previously with Roma and will be out to prove a point against the Italians. Mohamed Salah and Alisson have both faced Inter Milan previously with Roma and will be out to prove a point against the Italians.
Mohamed Salah and Alisson have both faced Inter Milan previously with Roma and will be out to prove a point against the Italians.

The meeting will see members of both teams coming up against old league rivals.

Edin Dzeko and Alexis Sanchez were previously of Manchester City and Arsenal and Manchester United respectively, while both Allison and Mo Salah had faced Inter before in the yellow and red of Roma - and the purple of Fiorentina, in the case of the Egyptian.

Rush said that all four will be desperate to to prove themselves to a country where it all didn’t quite go to plan - there was also praise for Inzaghi and Inter’s other key striker, Lautaro Martinez.

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Rush added: “Dzeko scored against Napoli and is in good shape, so I expect him to be the standout for Inter. Lautaro Martinez does well too and obviously Alexis Sanchez, we can’t forget his past in England and how that’ll make him even more eager to do well.

“For Liverpool, Mo Salah has quality and – like Sanchez – wants to show Italian fans what he can really do, as he played for Fiorentina and Roma before coming to England.

“I really appreciate the way Inzaghi gets Inter to play.

“Klopp and Pep Guardiola are examples of managers admired for the way they coach their teams, but above all for the style of football. The same goes for Inzaghi.”

Liverpool’s game on Wednesday will be their first without the away goals rule since it’s inception in 1966 and their first trip to the San Siro to play Inter since winning 1-0 at the same point in the Champions League in 2008.

Jurgen Klopp has a fully fit squad available, with Brazilian midfielder Fabinho looking to expand on his five goals in 2022 during what will be his 150th appearance for the club.

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