Di Matteo: “Inter has a chance against Man City, and Lukaku…”

Roberto Di Matteo claims Pep Guardiola "fears" Italians and compares Romelu Lukaku to Didier Drogba.

June 9, 2023

Ahead of tomorrow’s Final between Manchester City and Inter, Champions League winner Roberto Di Matteo claims Pep Guardiola “fears” Italians and compares Romelu Lukaku to Didier Drogba.

The 2012 Champions League was unexpectedly won by the former Italy international after Chelsea defeated Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in the semifinals and Bayern Munich in the championship game at the Allianz Arena, the Bavarian team’s home stadium.

Di Matteo thinks Inter are in a stronger position than his Chelsea team, despite the fact that the Nerazzurri are currently the underdogs against City.

Roberto commented: “We were not favourites; everyone knew it. 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. So, how can you lift the trophy despite not being favourites?

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. Guardiola is more than a coach, he is a visionary, but he knows how competitive Italians are and fears us.”

About Lukaku, Di Matteo added:

“I like Lautaro and Barella so much. They have an engine for the Premier League. They are two threats for Man City. But Inter’s Drogba is my Lukaku. I knew him when he was 19 at Chelsea and I was Villas Boas’ assistant. I can say that if he’s fit he can break the world. He’s a beast and he never stops and he seems fit now…”