Inter Milan defender Matteo Darmian insists they will need the “right attitude” to beat Real Sociedad and finish first in Group D of the Champions League.
Inter have already qualified for the last 16 of the tournament and came back from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Benfica last time out.
The comeback enabled them to keep their undefeated streak going in the competition this season but they will need victory to ensure they top the group.
Simone Inzaghi and Matteo Darmian's press conference on the eve of #InterRealSociedad ( subs) #ForzaInter
— Inter (@Inter_en) December 11, 2023
Tuesday’s opponents have also qualified but need to avoid defeat at San Siro to ensure they go through as group winners.
Former Manchester United defender Darmian knows the hosts face a challenge.
He told a press conference: “Tomorrow, we’ll go out there, as we have always have done since the start of the season, and try to win, but we know it won’t be easy.
“We want to win and we’ll need the right attitude and desire to do so.
“We already knew before the start of the group how difficult it was to play against Real Sociedad. They are a strong, organised team with great pace and quality.
“They’ve shown this throughout the group stages and deservedly qualified, too. We want to win so we can finish top of the group.”
Inter reached the Champions League final last season before losing the final against Manchester City 1-0.
Darmian insists they are learning from what went wrong last season in a bid to go one step further.
He continued: “As I said before, we have tried to learn from last year’s mistakes and have been working in the best possible way since day one.
“We have a great squad; we have so far shown that, but the season is still long and we must keep pushing on as we are.
“I don’t think much has changed, we always try to play the best we can and with the right determination to take home the win.
“Last year, we couldn’t get a consistent run together but this year we’re trying not to repeat the mistakes of last season.”
The 34-year-old is one of the experienced members in the squad and has played his part in helping the club keep an impressive 12 clean sheets in all competitions so far this season.
Asked whether this period is the best moment of his career, Darmian said: “I don’t think there is a secret; I don’t know if this is the best moment of my career.
“I’m certainly pleased to receive this trust from everyone; it’s something that pushes me every day to give more and more.
“When the coach selects me to play, I always try to give my best and help the team achieve its goals.
“This is a healthy and strong squad; we feel good around each other and we also transmit that out onto the pitch. We are on the right path and we must keep carrying on as we are.”
