Retired Internazionale defender Javier Zanetti has warned his former team-mates against underestimating Icelandic opponents Stjarnan in the Europa League play-off round.
The Serie A giants were pitted against the minnows from Gardabaer during yesterday’s draw in Nyon, with entry to the group stages on offer to the aggregate winner over two legs.
Zanetti, who was representing the club in an official capacity in Switzerland having called time on his 19-year Inter career in June, knows the Nerazzurri need to be suitably wary if they are to progress.
“I’m making my debut as an Inter representative and I’m very happy,” he said. “We’re taking this competition really seriously and we hope to get right to the very end.
“We can’t underestimate any team because there are no easy games on the European stage. Our opponents are ahead of us in their preparation because they have already played three games.
“We must prepare for the match in the best way. This is the first step but it’s the one that will allow us to set off on our path through Europe.”
Meanwhile, English Premier League side Tottenham will face Cypriot side AEL Limassol.
Mauricio Pochettino’s first European match in charge of Spurs will come in Cyprus on August 21, with Limassol travelling to London the following Thursday.
Last season Spurs made it through the group stages but were eliminated by eventual runners-up Benfica in the last 16.
Hull’s reward for a narrow win over Slovakian’s AS Trencin in the previous round is a tie against Belgians Lokeren.
Limassol, who finished as runners-up to APOEL in Cyprus last season, lost 3-1 to Zenit in the third round of the Champions League qualifiers.
