In the ongoing Champions League Round of 16 this week, one of the most anticipated matchups is between Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid. The two teams are set for a fierce battle as they aim to advance to the next round in one of the world's most prestigious club competitions.

Before the first leg clash at the San Siro Stadium, Simone Inzaghi, the head coach of Inter Milan, shared his thoughts with the media, expressing admiration for his former teammate and the current coach of Atlético Madrid, Diego "Cholo" Simeone.

"You could see he was going to be a good coach. Tomorrow I'll have Diego as an adversary; he was a great teammate. Just look at what he has done with Atlético; he is a great coach. We have always stayed in contact, and we haven't lost track of each other," commented the Italian coach.

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Inzaghi also highlighted the strong team that Simeone has built over the years at the Spanish club.

"It's very challenging to stay with a team as long as he has been with Atlético. Simeone has achieved great results with Atlético. Charisma, mentality, but not only that, they also play good football, both attacking and defending a lot," Inzaghi affirmed.

Likewise, the head coach of Inter Milan pointed out that this matchup would be special and that it should be a game where the Italian team brings their best.

"It's a pleasure to watch Atlético because they play very good football. These will be extremely difficult round of 16 matches that will demand our best version. We face a team of great value, with a high-quality squad. In the last four games, they have changed many players, but the team hasn't changed. We know it will be very tough. There will be a great atmosphere, and it will be beautiful to play. We need the real Inter," he concluded.

The first leg clash of the Champions League Round of 16 between Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid will take place this Tuesday, February 20, at the San Siro Stadium at 3 PM (ET).