Inter Milan`s resurgence to the Champions League elite is no accident. Under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, the Italian side has overcome Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and is set to clash with FC Barcelona in the semi-finals. This highly anticipated matchup, with the first leg scheduled for April 30th, evokes memories of 15 years past when Pep Guardiola`s Barcelona and Jose Mourinho`s Inter engaged in a legendary semi-final battle.
While the faces on the field and in the dugouts have changed, the current Inter squad possesses considerable strength and experience. Having narrowly lost the 2023 final in Istanbul to Manchester City 1-0, they are presented with another opportunity to conquer Europe. Furthermore, they remain in contention for a Treble, currently leading Serie A with a three-point advantage over Antonio Conte`s Napoli.
Here`s why dismissing Inter`s chances would be a mistake, even as they prepare to face one of the competition`s powerhouses.
European Pedigree
Inter`s recent years have been marked by success on the European stage, particularly since Inzaghi`s appointment in 2021, succeeding Conte. Despite financial constraints that led to player sales like Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, Inter quickly demonstrated their European mettle. Inzaghi`s first season saw them narrowly defeated by Liverpool, followed by a remarkable run to the Champions League final the next year, culminating in a loss to Manchester City after overcoming city rivals AC Milan in a historic semi-final derby. Inzaghi`s tenure at Inter already includes a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies, and three Supercoppa Italiana victories. However, the ultimate prize, the Champions League, remains a key ambition. Inter`s three Champions League titles include the memorable 2010 triumph under Mourinho. Inzaghi has already guided Inter to two semi-finals in just three years, matching the club`s semi-final appearances from 1981 to 2022. Their strong performance in the league phase, being the sole Italian team in the top eight, is noteworthy, especially considering the financial dominance of Premier League clubs and giants like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and PSG in European football.
End of an Era?
The Inter Milan team as we know it is expected to undergo significant changes after the 2025 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, starting this summer. The future of current veterans like defender Francesco Acerbi, who impressed against Bayern Munich, remains uncertain. These factors suggest that this might be the culmination of a successful cycle for the current squad. Similar to the 2010 Treble-winning season, this sense of an ending era could further fuel the team`s motivation, bolstered by their accumulated experience.
Is 2025 the New 2010?
Drawing parallels with the 2010 season, Inter are still in contention for all competitions they were involved in at this stage. After overcoming Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, mirroring 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 even stronger. That Barcelona boasted stars like Xavi, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi at their peak. Moreover, Barcelona had acquired Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter in the summer of 2009, while Samuel Eto`o, a treble winner with Barcelona in 2008-09, joined Inter in the same deal – one of football`s most remarkable swap transfers. In 2010, few believed in Inter`s chances, a sentiment that resonates somewhat with the current season.
