This week, Real Madrid will host Internazionale. Ahead of the match, Internazionale legend Giuseppe Bergomi spoke about both teams' performances and his assessment of Mourinho, among other topics, in an exclusive interview with 'AS'.

You're 62 years old. Do you stay quite busy?

I try to keep myself fit. I'm a commentator for Sky Sport Italia, I also work in Internazionale's youth academy, and I give talks to businesses and university students, sharing my professional experiences.

You also play padel...

That's right. This sport helps me maintain my fitness, brings me joy, and allows me to maintain my competitive spirit.

I heard that you sometimes shed tears watching matches. Is that true?

It's true at certain moments. Football, and sport in general, always touches my emotions, and I sometimes express these sincere feelings very directly. Some matches are epic and particularly move me. For example, last year I commentated on Internazionale's 4-3 victory over Barcelona on television; and many years ago, Liverpool's 4-3 comeback against Dortmund—I was sitting near the English fans' section. Yes, in those moments, I couldn't help but shed tears.

You received many important transfer offers, but you never left Internazionale...

I had three transfer opportunities back then, but I never took that step because I was very happy at this club that I loved so much. When I was just over twenty years old, Trapattoni wanted to take me to Juventus, but I told him I was content at home and didn't want to leave. He understood my feelings and even said my choice was correct. In the 90s, Roma and Lazio also approached me. During that period, I wasn't a guaranteed starter, and yes, I had some doubts. However, the then-coach Bagnoli restored my confidence, so I chose to stay with the team and fight for a key position again.

You're a legendary defender. Which defender in today's football do you especially admire?

There are many excellent defenders, but among all of them, the one who excites me most is Cubarsí. Considering his age, his performance is brilliant. He has exceptional speed, great mental strength, and an incredibly good ability to read the game. He possesses first-rate talent, and watching him play is a pleasure. In my opinion, he is exceptionally gifted and already at a very high level.

You played against Real Madrid ten times, the first when you were only 17 years old.

That moment is unforgettable. In the 1981 European Cup, we lost 0-2, with goals from Juanito and Santillana. As a young player, I came on as a substitute in the second half. Being able to set foot on such a magnificent and historically rich stadium as the Bernabéu for the first time was a huge impact for me. Another memorable encounter happened many years later: when Real Madrid became European champions again, we beat them 3-1 at San Siro, and I wore the captain's armband in that match, which was also the last time I played against Real Madrid in my career.

Does the Santiago Bernabéu still command respect?

It's absolutely commanding. Not just as a player, but even as a spectator. I've been there recently as a coach of Internazionale's legends team and as a match commentator, and the sight is truly impressive. Beyond its legendary aura, the Bernabéu is undoubtedly the most beautiful and imposing stadium in the world. This architecture is a masterpiece, and stepping on this legendary ground offers a unique feeling. Fortunately, I'll experience that feeling again this Tuesday.

Why does Real Madrid always shine in the Champions League?

The Champions League is their home; they truly believe it. No team adapts to this competition like they do; they never give up easily, a quality that no other team in the world possesses. Countless classic battles and thrilling comebacks have forged their unmatched legend. All opponents know that, even with a significant advantage, they can never be complacent when they come to this stadium. Real Madrid's fighting spirit can overturn everything, and history has proven it countless times.

You've played alongside many football superstars and also against them. Who do you consider the best player?

I had the incredible fortune of playing with Matthäus and the late Brehme, both possessing extraordinary character and ability; and also of playing against top-tier stars like Gullit and Van Basten. But if I had to name representative figures, I'd name two. I worked with Ronaldo—he was a truly phenomenal talent; his physical attributes and technical ability were different from anything I've seen in other players. Still, Maradona ranked above him; I once played against him as an opponent. He possessed qualities that no one else had—undoubtedly the best in the world.

What are your expectations for the clash between these two giants?

I hope Internazionale plays with courage. If we only defend, we'll have no chance. Going to the Bernabéu and expecting to completely control the match is an illusion, but we must show courage and fighting spirit and work to control the midfield, as Real Madrid's midfield is facing significant personnel injuries. We're very aware of our opponent's strength, but we hope Internazionale will be aggressive and dare to face this strong enemy. Mourinho is adjusting the team's tactics, building a team with solid defense and decisive attack, but we definitely have the opportunity to threaten Real Madrid.

One just lost, the other completed a comeback...

Beating Napoli will lift Internazionale's spirits, but I don't think past results will affect this match. Each match is independent, and the Champions League and the league operate under completely different logic.

Who do you think is the leader on Real Madrid's pitch?

The squad has world-class players like Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Bellingham, but I particularly admire Valverde. He's a versatile midfielder, excellent both in attack and defense, with outstanding shooting ability and consistently dependable. Whenever the team faces difficulties, he always steps up. From my footballing philosophy, Valverde is an outstanding player and the embodiment of Real Madrid's spirit.

What about Mbappé?

He's a different type of player, and I certainly admire him greatly too. He's a striker at the peak of his level. Some criticize him for not always sacrificing 100% for the team, but his terrifying individual ability more than compensates in attack. Purely in terms of individual ability, I think he's the strongest candidate for this year's Ballon d'Or.

You know Mourinho very well; in 2010, he led Internazionale to win the Champions League and achieve the treble. How do you assess him?

Very highly. As you said, I have a good personal relationship with him. He's a unique coach: besides his outstanding intellect, tactical acumen, personal prestige, and ability to flexibly adapt to football's trends and personal charisma, he's also skilled at building emotional connections with players, the team environment, and fans. This is crucial and helps the team overcome difficulties, create a good atmosphere, and promote the growth of the entire squad.

Internazionale has reached the Champions League final twice in the last four years. What's still missing for the team to lift the trophy?

Just one final step. For a long time, I've believed that purely on paper, Internazionale isn't Italy's strongest team, but we're the most courageous and resilient, and this quality has helped us win many titles. Internazionale has always valued teamwork, cohesion, resilience in adversity, and fighting spirit, which is very similar to Real Madrid. However, I think the team should switch to a four-man defense system to improve its competitiveness in European competitions. The three-man defense system has achieved good results, but to go further, we need to emulate most of the great giants and line up an additional attacking player, fully unleashing the pace and individual attacking prowess of our forwards. Only then can we make a breakthrough.

Traducido por IA.

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