Antonio Conte has told his Inter Milan team that history only remembers the winners as he bids to lift his first European trophy as a coach on Friday.
The Italians face the five-time winners Sevilla side who knocked out Wolves and Manchester United on the way to the final in Cologne.
Former Juventus and Chelsea boss Conte led Inter to second place in Serie A in his first season back in his homeland.
But the Milan club have not won in Europe since Jose Mourinho's Champions League triumph in 2010 – or any silverware since the 2011 Coppa Italia.
And Conte, who won the 1996 Champions League and 1993 UEFA Cup as a Juventus player, said: “People only remember finals when you win.
"I have won a Champions League, but I have lost three. In history, only the first one remains. History is written by those who win, we only remember those. This is an extra push to get the most out of it.
“We must be proud to have reached a Final 10 years after the last time Inter did. The word fear is not part of my vocabulary.”
Which team will come out on top in the final? Have your say here.
But the Italian, 51, was evasive about his future after criticising the Inter board at the end of the Serie A season.
“Over the years I have learned to live in the moment and without regrets,” Conte added.
Last year's final saw Chelsea beat Arsenal and on Friday former Premier League stars Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young, Alexis Sanchez and Christian Eriksen will star.
The Belgian forward has scored in his last 10 Europa League games – and combined to net a total of 54 goals this season in his “Lu-La” attacking duo with Lautaro Martínez.
Conte said: “I knew Lukaku very well because he's a player I'd followed for some time. I tried many times to sign him at my former clubs. I knew the characteristics he had.”
Meanwhile, Sevilla are on a 20-match unbeaten run under former Spain and Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui.
But defender Jules Koundé warned: "Lukaku is one of the best forwards in the world. He's strong in physical terms but is also good with the ball at his feet and at knockdowns.”
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