Zola: Chelsea-Inter will go to extra time

(GSM) – Gianfranco Zola believes this tonight’s clash between Chelsea and Internazionale will be very tight.

The West Ham United manager believes the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie will go to extra time.

Inter take a 2-1 lead out of the first leg to Stamford Bridge but their recent form has been poor. The Nerrazzurri were defeated by Serie A minnows Catania last Friday.

“I am neutral and intrigued by the challenge between the best team in Italy and one of the best in England,” Zola told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Chelsea form a big part of me, but against them will be an Italian side trained by Mourinho who I know well and who I have respect for.

“It will go to extra time. And the absence of Petr Cech could weigh heavily on Chelsea. But the fact remains that the Premier League prepares players a lot better for the Champions League than Serie A.

“It’s a more competitive brand of football, with a higher rhythm. Inter are inferior to no one on a squad level. But Chelsea are better ‘trained’ to play with intensity, which carries you far in Europe.

“This is another Inter. And Mourinho knows the opponents like his own pockets. It will be a special night for Mourinho, but he is very good at managing the emotions and will exploit the defeat to Catania to motivate his players.”