Matteo Darmian says Inter Milan must shut down 'important' Arsenal star with 'great qualities'

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Matteo Darmian has picked out Bukayo Saka for special praise ahead of Inter Milan’s clash with Arsenal, labelling the winger an ‘important player’ with ‘great qualities’.

Saka – a two-time Player of the Season at Arsenal – has enjoyed another strong start to the campaign from an individual perspective, racking up three goals and seven assists in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old England international also got on the scoresheet in Arsenal’s impressive Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain last month and will look to increase his tally at the San Siro this evening.

The Gunners are in need of a morale-boosting victory after what has been a difficult few weeks for the club, with Mikel Arteta’s men winning just two of their last five matches in all competitions.

The north London giants are under no illusions about the size of the task at hand that awaits them in Milan against an in-form Inter side, though, who remain undefeated in Europe this term.

‘We will try to play our game, taking into account the qualities and characteristics of Arsenal,’ Inter defender Darmian told TMW.

‘We know the quality of Saka and the other attacking players they have.

‘We will have to work as a team and do our best to cause them problems when we have the ball.’

Asked whether he had studied Saka in particular, Darmian replied: ‘No, you have to pay attention to everyone.

‘He is an important player for them, he has great qualities in one-on-one situations.

‘But, as I said before, Arsenal is not one player but an important collective, of quality.

‘It will require great teamwork and defensive structure.’

The former Manchester United full-back believes Inter are in for an intriguing battle against a ‘well-equipped and strong’ Arsenal team.

‘We are definitely two strong teams,’ Darmian added.

‘Arsenal have challenged Manchester City for the title in recent seasons, they are well-equipped and strong.

‘We have won important trophies in recent years. It will be difficult, but we want to take home three points.’

Darmian hopes Inter ‘continue on the path of growth’ after a promising start to the season under Inzaghi, one of the most sought-after managers in European football.

‘The ambitions are always high. When you play for an important club like Inter you always want to reach the biggest possible objectives,’ the Italy international went on.

‘Every day you can improve and we try to do it. In the league this year we have dropped a few points but we are there or thereabouts and we want to continue on the path of growth that began years ago.

‘Then whether we are favorites or not will become clear on the pitch.’

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