Adani explains how Inter can stop Haaland in Champions League final

Former defender Daniele Adani gave Inter some advice for stopping Manchester City hitman Erling Haaland in the Champions League final.

The Nerazzurri booked their spot in the biggest game of the European football calendar with a 3-0 aggregate win over intercity rivals Milan in the semi-finals. It’s the club’s first Champions League final in over a decade and not one Simone Inzaghi was expected to guide the team to.

Manchester City were as dominant as ever in their semi-final with Real Madrid, being held to a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg before flying to a 4-0 victory in the return clash, a match that showed all of the team’s qualities and dangers.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport via TMW, Adani discussed some ways Inter could try and limit the dangers of Haaland, who has scored an incredible 52 goals in 49 appearances this season.

“Not with one man alone. Acerbi is very good at defensive readings and has the total trust of Inzaghi, who also lets him do what he wants in the setting-up.

“As an individual, he will have to be good at ‘not being felt’ by Haaland. Because if the Norwegian senses you, he then knows how to fool you with the counter-move.

“You need varied, non-linear marking. With Giroud you can go toe-to-toe for 90 minutes, with Haaland you can’t.

“Sometimes you have to leave him in control without trying to anticipate him, especially when you have the pitch behind you, because in ball control, although he has definitely improved with Pep, he is linear.

“It will then be necessary for the midfielder in front of the defence, whether it be Calhanoglu or Brozovic, to help in fouling the forwards of De Bruyne and his team-mates, perhaps directing the pass in a certain way. “

Manchester City will be hungry for the final in Istanbul as they eye up the Treble. They’re on the cusp of winning the Premier League title and will face rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final next month.