This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi will sit out their Champions League group game against Inter Milan on Tuesday, but the Italian side's coach Antonio Conte is still expecting a tough test.
Barcelona are already through to the knockout rounds after a convincing 3-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund last time out, thanks in part to a goal from six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi.
However, Conte believes his Inter Milan side can still make the most of Messi's absence and secure a spot in the last 16.
"We're talking about Barcelona, one of the strongest teams in the world with a very strong squad of 20 to 22 players," Conte said.
"Barcelona remain one of the four or five teams that every year sets out to win the competition," he added.
Inter Milan will need to beat Barcelona and hope that Borussia Dortmund do not beat Slavia Prague in order to qualify for the last 16.
Despite being without several key players, including Ousmane Dembele, Jordi Alba, Nelson Semedo and Gerard Pique, Conte is confident that his team can cause problems for Barcelona.
"If we think we won't suffer when Barca are in possession, we would be fools," he said.
"When we get the possession, we will try to put them in difficulty," Conte added.
