Figo calls for ambitious Inter

Luis Figo says Inter Milan will take the Europa League seriously and feels they should be aiming to win the competition.

Andrea Stramaccioni’s men were grouped with Rubin Kazan, Neftchi Baku and Partizan Belgrade during Friday’s draw for the group stage.

Former Portugal international Figo expects Inter to progress without any noteworthy problems.

“It’s always prestigious to be involved in European football, whether it’s the Champions League or the Europa League,” Figo told Sky Italia.

“That’s why we must do everything we can to try to win this competition this year and then get back to winning in the Champions League.

“In Italy there’s a difference between the league and Europe. I think it’s a cultural thing. Teams that do well in a tough league might find it more difficult in Europe.

“We’re in a tough group if you consider the logistics of it all. We’ll have some very long trips, but personally I don’t think we should have too much trouble on a technical level.”

Inter start their Europa League campaign with a home game against Rubin Kazan on September 20.