The week since our last game has been very long. It is almost like the last months since the resumption of Serie A conditioned me to expect a game every three to four days and now I am in withdrawal.
I have read a lot in anticipation of the game against Shaktar. One thing that has surprised me is that some observers have simply dismissed us and stated that we will lose or do not stand a chance. Mircea Lucescu's comments were in that vain and I felt angered about being dismissed in that way. After reading his comments, I could not help but wonder whether Lucescu has been drinking again. I am not taking anything for granted against Shaktar. I do not know them well enough nor have I watched any of their games to be in a position to say anything but I feel that dismissing us would be a mistake.
Tomorrow morning, I am hoping to see a rested, polished, determined and fired up Inter side who are at the top of their game and play accordingly. When you think about it, we have not had an opportunity like this since 2010. I honestly forgot what it feels like to anxiously look forward to and await a game where there is something at stake. It is a great feeling but at the same time, I would be lying if I said that it felt natural or normal for me. More than anything, being in the semi-finals of a European competition feels odd and foreign.
Do you know what I like about the buildup of this game? There has been close to dead silence. There has been little all round news concerning the club and players and there has been equally as little speculation and rumours. I have been enjoying the silence because it means that our coach and players are concentrating and focused on the task at hand. It is very rare that Inter as a club are left to their own devices without intrusive and speculative media reports to the point of distraction.
I do not watch our games while being on the Forum because I get distracted. Accordingly, I will not be around tomorrow morning but just want to love you guys and Forza Inter!