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Inter Milan's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, is confident that his team can contain the prolific Erling Haaland, even as they remain cautious of Manchester City's other attacking threats. As the reigning Italian champions, Inter are set to face the in-form Haaland in their opening match of the Champions League, traveling to Manchester to take on a City side that defeated them in the 2023 final. Haaland has been in sensational form, having already scored nine goals, including two hat-tricks, in just four Premier League matches this season. His remarkable scoring ability has brought his total to an astonishing 99 goals in only 103 appearances for Manchester City, highlighting his status as one of the most dangerous forwards in football today.
Despite Haaland’s impressive record, Sommer believes that with proper organization and determination, Inter can effectively limit his impact on the game. The goalkeeper acknowledged the challenges posed by not only Haaland but also by other talented players in City’s squad. As Inter prepares for this high-stakes encounter, they aim to leverage their defensive strengths and tactical discipline to secure a positive result against a formidable opponent. This match will be a crucial test for both teams as they kick off their Champions League campaigns, and the spotlight will undoubtedly be on how Inter plans to handle Haaland’s attacking prowess.
Former Switzerland number one Yann Sommer is confident that Inter Milan can prevent Erling Haaland from reaching the milestone of 100 goals for Manchester City when the two teams meet on Wednesday. Although Sommer was not with Inter during their last encounter in the 2023 Champions League final in Istanbul—where Rodri scored the decisive goal and City claimed their first European title—he believes the current squad has the capability to rise to the occasion.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi also anticipates another challenging match, acknowledging the fierce competition between the two sides. However, he emphasizes that this clash, the first of the competition's new league phase, is not about settling old scores from their previous final. Instead, Inzaghi views it as an opportunity to showcase Inter's growth and resilience in the Champions League.
Both the coach and Sommer understand the importance of this match, not only for their aspirations in the tournament but also for establishing momentum early in the season. Inter is focused on implementing their tactical strategies effectively, aiming to control the game and limit Haaland’s opportunities to score. As they prepare to face a formidable opponent, the team's collective mindset will be crucial in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated fixture. Fans can expect an intense battle as both clubs seek to make a strong statement in the Champions League.
"Everyone is asking about Erling Haaland. He is one of the best strikers in the business. He is strong, fast with a good shot. I have played against him several times and I know how he plays. I know his style and I will try to give him a big challenge," Sommer told a pre-match press conference at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.