Bisseck: ‘Italy world class defending, Inter nothing to fear from Bayern’ | OneFootball

Yann Bisseck admits Italy is ‘where to learn about world class defending’ ahead of the Nations League clash with Germany, while Inter have ‘nothing to fear’ from Bayern Munich.

The centre-back’s performances at San Siro have earned him his first senior call-up to the Germany squad at the age of 24.

He could therefore get his debut in the Nations League quarter-finals against Italy, with the first leg on Thursday at San Siro and the decider on Sunday evening.

“When you are here for the first time, you need to be patient,” said Bisseck in a press conference with the German national team.

“I have a lot to learn and am absorbing so much from the leader of this defence, Antonio Rudiger. The others have more experience than me, but I hope the coach will give me some playing time, even if it might not be in this phase of the competition.

“I will be 25 when the World Cup is played, so being part of that squad is certainly an objective, but many things must happen first for me to earn that opportunity.”

Inter helped Bisseck to flourish as a defender

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Jack Grealish of Manchester City is challenged by Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and FC Internazionale Milano at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Bisseck has impressed at Inter since the €7.2m transfer from Aarhus in the summer of 2023, making 30 competitive appearances so far this season with one goal and three assists.

There will be quite a few of his Nerazzurri teammates on the other side for Italy in the Nations League quarter-finals.

“The Italians will certainly be tactically well-drilled with a precise game plan. It will not be an easy match for anyone. Obviously, Italy are an opponent to be worried about, while we are confident that we are a strong team. It’s just about getting all that onto the pitch.”

Now that he speaks the language too, Bisseck is relishing his experience at Inter and in Serie A, something that Rudiger already went through at Roma.

“Italy is where to learn about world class defending. I already learned so much there, but there is so much more I need to get. There is much more emphasis on tactics in Italy, sometimes the training sessions last a full 90 minutes just on tactics, and that shows in the style of the football they play.”

Inter are the only remaining Serie A side in the Champions League and will face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals next month, another intriguing battle between Italian and German football.

“Bayern have incredibly strong players all over the park, so it will be tough, especially the first leg at the Allianz Arena,” said Bisseck.

“However, we are in good shape, we’re organised and have nothing to fear. I think we can absolutely get something positive from the tie if we bring out the performances we are capable of.”