Inter`s return to the Champions League`s top tier is no accident. Under the guidance of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, having triumphed over Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, they are set to clash with FC Barcelona in the semi-finals. This upcoming match-up, with the first leg away on April 30th, evokes memories of 15 years past, when Pep Guardiola`s Barcelona faced Jose Mourinho`s Inter in a semi-final clash that remains etched in sports history.
While the faces of players and managers have changed, the strength and experience of this Inter team should not be underestimated. After a narrow 1-0 defeat in the 2023 Istanbul final against Manchester City, they are once again vying for European glory. Simultaneously, they remain in contention for the Treble, leading the Serie A table by three points over Antonio Conte`s Napoli.
Here`s a look at why Inter deserves respect in this competition, even as they prepare to face one of its strongest contenders.
European Pedigree
Inter has enjoyed considerable success on the European stage in recent years, particularly since Inzaghi`s appointment in the summer of 2021, succeeding Conte. Despite financial challenges that led to player sales like Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, Inter quickly demonstrated European prowess. In their first season under Inzaghi, they only fell to Liverpool. They then reached the Champions League final, ultimately losing to City after overcoming city rivals AC Milan in a memorable semi-final. Inzaghi`s Inter tenure includes one Serie A title, two Coppa Italia titles, and three Supercoppa Italiana victories. However, winning the Champions League would undoubtedly be the ultimate achievement, mirroring their 2010 victory under Mourinho. Highlighting Inzaghi`s impact, Inter has reached two semi-finals in just three years, matching the total number of semi-finals they reached in the preceding period from 1981 to 2022. They also distinguished themselves in the league phase, being the sole Italian team to finish in the top eight, a significant feat considering the financial dominance of Premier League clubs and other European giants like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and PSG.
The End of an Era?
The current Inter squad is anticipated to undergo significant changes by the summer of 2025, following their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Club president Giuseppe Marotta has indicated that new owners, Oaktree, aim to rejuvenate the squad with younger talent while maintaining competitiveness. Future signings of players in their late 30s are unlikely, and the future remains uncertain for current players with expiring contracts, such as key defender Francesco Acerbi. Consequently, this period feels like the culmination of a successful cycle for the current team. Just as in 2010, when Inter clinched the treble, this sense of closure might further fuel the team`s ambition, bolstered by their accumulated experience.
Is 2025 the New 2010?
Drawing parallels with the 2010 season, Inter remains competitive in all competitions they entered this season. After overcoming Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, reminiscent of their 2010 Champions League final opponent, they are now set to face FC Barcelona in the semi-finals. Interestingly, the Barcelona team Inter defeated in the 2010 semi-finals, en route to the Madrid final, was arguably stronger than the current squad. That Barcelona boasted prime talents like Xavi, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi. Moreover, that same summer of 2009, Barcelona signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter and included Samuel Eto`o, who had just won the treble with Barcelona, in the deal – one of football`s most remarkable transfer swaps. Back in 2010, few believed in Inter`s chances, a sentiment that echoes this season.
Benedict Kingsley