Handanovic hails Shakhtar Donetsk is Inter's toughest rivals

Samir Handanovic believes Inter Milan will face their toughest task of Europa League knockout rounds in Shakhtar Donetsk.

Inter Milan have eased past their Europa League rivals. Getafe were beaten 2-1, while a similar fate awaited Bayer Leverkusen.

Antonio Conte is pleased with his side’s progression. They have controlled the fixtures and eased past their rivals. Even Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has been impressed.

The Nerazzurri face Shakhtar Donetsk in their semi-final fixture. The Ukrainian side will be tough competitors and Inter captain, Samir Handanovic, is not counting them out.

Handanovic believes with every passing game the strength of opposition has increased. The goalkeeper believes Shakhtar are their toughest rivals yet and they will have to give a good account of their abilities.

“The level keeps going up with every game and that means we need a better performance than last time,” Football Italia quoted Handanovic.

“Shakhtar are a step above the other opponents and the strongest side we’ve faced so far in this competition. We have a quality team, but we also need courage and solidity to get the better of Shakhtar Donetsk.”

“Getafe were a very different type of team, Bayer Leverkusen have more similarities in their attacking approach, even if the tactical system is different.”