Wesley Sneijder is hoping to guide Inter Milan to Champions League
glory - and has former employers Real Madrid in his sights.
The reigning Serie A champions have been paired against
Premier League table-toppers Chelsea in the last 16 of the
Champions League, with the first leg of an intriguing contest set
to take place at Giuseppe Meazza on Wednesday.
Dutch midfielder Sneijder accepts that the Blues will provide
a stern test of Inter's credentials, but is confident the Italian
giants can prevail.
He also feels Jose Mourinho's side are capable of making it
all the way to the final, where he hopes they will come up against
Real Madrid - the side who offloaded him last summer.
"I left Real Madrid to win titles with Inter and I dream of a
Champions League final date with Real in the Bernabeu," Sneijder
told skysports.com.
"For that to happen we have to eliminate Chelsea and remain
in the competition. I am confident we can do that.
"This round will be very tough and will require a lot of
effort and determination. To advance we will have to pass a
difficult test.
"The key to the game will be in midfield. The team that is
able to dominate possession will make the quarter-finals."
He added: "It is vital Inter win in the San Siro and that we
make the stadium a fortress. Our fans understand this and will do
all they can to help us to victory.
"The important thing is to win and take an advantage to
Stamford Bridge, forcing Chelsea to change their tactics.
"If we are able to keep a clean sheet that would be
helpfully, but it is not essential as we have the attacking
firepower to score goals in London."
Sneijder is convinced Inter can match Chelsea in every area
of the field and insists they have nothing to fear from Carlo
Ancelotti's men.
"The battle in midfield will be terrific because there will
be people like (Frank) Lampard, (Michael) Ballack and Deco who are
very experienced in these situations," he said.
"We need to make sure we avoid making any mistakes and try to
create as many opportunities as possible.
"I am certain that, man for man, Inter are not inferior to
Chelsea and over the course of 180 minutes it is possible for us to
secure a passage into the next round."
