Roberto Di Matteo, the Chelsea legend who famously led the Blues to Champions League glory in 2012, believes Pep Guardiola is a little apprehensive about taking on Italian sides ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League final against Inter Milan on Saturday. Di Matteo believes Inter can take inspiration from his Chelsea team to overcome the odds in Istanbul and achieve a remarkable upset.
The Premier League champions are clear favourites for the match after another superb season for them, which also saw them lift the FA Cup. They swept aside Real Madrid in the semi-finals to set up this clash with Inter and few expect the Serie A side to stop them completing an immense treble. However, Di Matteo believes Guardiola is a little bit scared of taking on Italian sides, knowing what a challenge they can pose.
Asked how Inter can beat City, Di Matteo said, via Football-Italia: ‘You go to church with the whole team and pray…jokes aside, motivation makes the difference and we had it. We were not fully fit but convinced we could make it. Inter have the same spirit, they don’t look like a scared team.’ The Manchester City manager himself said after routing Real Madrid in the semi-final second leg: ‘A final against an Italian team is not the best gift, honestly.’
Di Matteo believes Inter can take inspiration from his Chelsea team to overcome the odds in Turkey this weekend. ‘We were not favourites; everyone knew it,’ said the 53-year-old. ‘However, the comparison with Inter is not entirely accurate because Manchester City don’t play at home and Simone Inzaghi can rely on a full team. ‘Pep Guardiola has an incredible team, but Inter have a chance. My Chelsea side taught that with motivation everything is possible.’