Sucic: "The Derby is always special, but the most important thing is to keep building towards the competitive season" | OneFootball

After representing Croatia at the World Cup, Petar Sučić linked up with the Nerazzurri squad for the Summer Tour. Although he did not feature in the friendly against Manchester City, he is ready for the next fixtures in Perth, where Inter arrived on Sunday morning.

Petar, the last 12 months have been incredible for you. You joined Inter, made your debut at the FIFA Club World Cup, won the double and then represented Croatia at the World Cup. Now you're ready for a new season. How are you feeling?

"Last season was fantastic. Not just for me, but for everyone at the Club and in the team. We achieved so many of our goals, won trophies and, on a personal level, I played in two World Cups. It was an incredible experience and I think it can only help me become a better player. I'm really excited to start a new season and I can't wait to get going."

How important is it to begin the new season with high-profile matches here in Australia against such historic opponents?

"They're friendly matches, but it's always great to play against some of the best teams in the world. We're one of those teams ourselves, so facing opponents like this is always enjoyable and also gives us a chance to see where we are at this stage of pre-season. The most important thing is to be ready when the season starts. Of course you always want to win friendlies, but the result isn't the main priority."

Is this your first time in Australia?

"Yes, it's my first time here. The weather is nice, the temperature is good, it's not too hot. The sun is out and we're enjoying it."

Wednesday's match against AC Milan is only a pre-season friendly, but whenever AC Milan and Inter meet, can the fans still expect a certain level of intensity?

"Absolutely, we're playing against our biggest rivals – it's the Milan Derby, so it's always going to be a special match, even if it's only pre-season. It'll be an intense game. We've been training very hard and, while the result isn't the most important thing, you always want to win."

Given you've travelled to the other side of the world, how nice is it to have one base for a week rather than having to keep travelling?

"It hasn't been easy because we've travelled a lot, but now we're here and we'll stay for a few days. We need to settle in, recover and do our best."

You've just returned from the World Cup, and today one of your Croatia teammates, Luka Modrić, arrives. Having played both with and against him, what makes him so special?

"Everyone knows he's been one of the best players in the world over the last 20 years, and he also won the Ballon d'Or. For us Croatians, that's the greatest achievement imaginable. He's our idol and we admire him enormously. But now he's on the opposition, so I'll try to beat him when we play."

AUSTRALIA: PERTH

The Nerazzurri's tour now moves on to Australia, where Inter will play for the very first time. The Champions of Italy will be involved in two friendlies as part of a tournament celebrating Italian clubs, offering a taste of the season to come.

Inter will take to the pitch in Perth, the capital and largest city of Western Australia, facing AC Milan and Juventus at the Optus Stadium, the city's premier sporting venue.

The first fixture will be the derby against AC Milan on Wednesday 5 August at 19:00 local time (13:00 CEST).

Three days later, on Saturday 8 August, Inter will take on Juventus at the same kick-off time.