Champions League elimination of Liverpool is a real possibility, so long as Internazionale exploit the Reds' shortcoming, insists Paulo Di Canio.
Jurgen Klopp's men will travel to Milan for the round of 16 first leg at the San Siro on Wednesday, February 16, with high hopes of returning to Merseyside with a positive result.
But 53-year-old Di Canio, who dazzled in the Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham United, but was never capped at full international level, believes there is a way to pick the high-flying Reds off.
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Speaking to Il Corriere dello Sport newspaper, he said: “It’s a terrifying opponent, but Inter must be fearless and maintain possession as Liverpool tend to ‘fall asleep'.
“It’s a shame for Nicolò Barella’s suspension, a Rottweiler that Inter would need.”
Italy international Barella received a two-match ban after receiving a straight red card against Real Madrid in Inter's final group stage match.
The Nerazzurri are the reigning Serie A champions and currently sit at the league table summit again, four points clear of Napoli and AC Milan, with a game in hand on both of them.
The return leg takes place at Anfield on Wednesday, March 8.
Inter have won three European Cups/Champions Leagues in their history, compared to Liverpool's six.
The Reds last faced Inter in the San Siro in Champions League on March 11, 2008, when a single Fernando Torres goal secured a 1-0 away win on the night and an aggregate 3-0 triumph for Rafa Benitez's side.
