Zanetti: Inter ‘can’t choose’ between Champions League and Serie A | OneFootball

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti says the Nerazzurri will ‘respect’ Feyenoord but insists they ‘can’t choose’ between Serie A and Champions League.

Inter have been paired with Dutch side Feyenoord in the Champions League Round of 16.

The Nerazzurri finished the league phase in fourth position, losing just one game and conceding just once. They finished level on 19 points with Arsenal, but the Gunners ended up in third position with a better goal difference.

“Let’s say our journey so far has been excellent: now a knockout competition begins,” Zanetti told Sky Sport Italia after the draw.

“Feyenoord deserve respect for what they have managed to achieve. We will prepare for the matches as best as possible, and we have all the conditions to believe we can move forward. It largely depends on us.”

Feyenoord beat Inter’s city rivals Milan in the Champions League knockout playoff.

The Nerazzurri remain the only Serie A club still involved in the competition this season.

“We always have significant responsibilities; we are Inter, an important team, and this competition is very prestigious. We will try to carry the Italian flag as high as possible,” said Zanetti.

Zanetti: Inter ‘can’t choose’ between Champions League and Serie A

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Marko Arnautovic of Internazionale celebrates with Lautaro Martinez after heading his team’s 2nd goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 10, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter have also learned their potential opponents in the quarter-finals and in the semi-finals.

The defending Serie A champions remain in the race for the Scudetto. They are just two points below Serie A leaders Napoli, but they will visit Antonio Conte’s side just a few days before the first-leg game against Feyenoord.

“We don’t have the luxury of choosing. We must aim to go all the way in both [competitions],” concluded the Inter vice-president.

“Everyone wants to win the league, and we know what it means to win it. But then there’s the Champions League, we are the last Italian team to have won it, and we will always try to honour it and reach the final, just like two years ago. Competing in both is difficult, but our mindset is to go all the way. We can’t choose.”