Raspadori warns Atletico about Inter: ‘They know how to dust themselves down’

Italy international Giacomo Raspadori has warned his Atletico Madrid teammates about the threats that Inter possess ahead of the meeting of the two sides in the Champions League on Wednesday night: ‘They know how to dust themselves down after disappointment’. 

Raspadori, who joined Atletico from Napoli during the summer transfer window, is seeking just his fourth start since moving to Madrid when Inter visit the Metropolitano on Wednesday night. 

Atleti are 17th in the standings after winning two and losing two of their first four games in the competition this season, while Inter sit in third place, level with Bayern Munich and Arsenal at the top, after a perfect return of four wins at the start of the campaign. 

“It’s a very important game for our journey in the Champions League. So far, we’ve lost two difficult games in England and won twice at home. If we want to finish in the top eight, we have to do everything to extend this run,” Raspadori said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

How is Raspadori settling in Madrid after his €26m transfer from Napoli over the summer? 

“Good. We’re coming in off a series of positive results, and the three we got at Getafe were very important. We lost there last year, so winning this type of game, when we’ve struggled, is really important. Time will tell how important it is, but we’re up there in the standings now, four behind Real Madrid. We’ve recovered well after a complicated start.” 

It was pointed out to Raspadori that Atletico have always scored, and have always taken the lead in their Serie A matches so far this season. 

“That’s a really important fact, it makes it clear that we always have the right approach going into matches. If you step onto the pitch and take the lead, it means that you’ve come good on what you’ve prepared.” 

How did his move to Madrid come about? 

“Atletico showed interest and I had no doubts,” Raspadori answered. “I jumped at what I consider a great opportunity in terms of football and personal life. I’ve always watched and admired LaLiga, the idea of playing here enticed me. 

“Obviously, it’s not easy to leave Naples, a unique city that is full of passion and love for football, a place where I had a great time and won the league twice in three years. I had an incredible experience.” 

There had been suggestions that Inter had also explored the possibility of signing Raspadori over the summer: “There was interest, but never anything really concrete,” he replied.

Raspadori was asked if he had a chance to watch the Derby della Madonnina between Inter and Milan over the weekend. 

He replied: “The second half. It was nice, well played, I enjoyed it. Games like that are won and lost in the big moments, it went well for Milan.”

And what does he expect to see from Inter in the Champions League on Tuesday night? 

“Determination and a desire to redeem themselves after the derby. They’ve done amazingly in the Champions League so far. Okay, they’ve beaten teams that are in the lower part of the table, but they’ve done what they’ve needed to do and it’s never easy against anyone in the Champions League.

“Losing important games can affect the mood in the squad, but I know a lot of the Inter players, and I know they have a lot of mental strength. They know how to dust themselves down after a disappointment like that. It’s a strong group and they will come in feeling motivated.”