Alessandro Bastoni, the Inter Milan defender, has revealed that he has been analyzing video footage of Antonio Rudiger, the Real Madrid star, in his preparations to counter Erling Haaland in the upcoming Champions League Final.
The final, set to take place on Saturday at Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium, sees Manchester City emerge as the clear favorites.
Led by manager Pep Guardiola, Manchester City has clinched both the Premier League and FA Cup titles this season.
They have already overcome formidable opponents such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich on their path to the final, as they strive to achieve an unprecedented treble.
However, their Italian rivals will be looking to take advantage of their hectic schedule.
Haaland, who has 52 goals in as many games this season, acknowledged in a recent interview that Manchester City had purchased him to win the biggest title in European club football.
City are one step away from doing so but Inter intend to follow the example of Rudiger, who kept Haaland quiet when Madrid drew 1-1 with City in the first leg of the semi-final.
Rudiger did not play in the return game, which City won 4-0.
And ahead of the gigantic clash, Bastoni has made some intriguing remarks regarding City in a press conference.
“Haaland says City bought him to win the Champions League and that says everything,” said Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni via Daily Mail. But it’s Manchester City v Inter, not Haaland v Inter.
‘I have seen a video of Rudiger in the semi-final. He managed to contain Haaland very well so maybe that’s an example we can use. We will try to copy what he did.