Inter Milan`s resurgence to the Champions League elite is no accident. Under Simone Inzaghi`s guidance, having overcome Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, they are set to clash with FC Barcelona in the semi-finals. This upcoming fixture, with the first leg on April 30th, stirs memories of 15 years past, recalling the epic semi-final showdown between Pep Guardiola`s Barcelona and Jose Mourinho`s Inter.
While the faces on and off the field have changed, the current Inter squad possesses considerable strength and experience. Having narrowly missed out on victory against Manchester City in the 2023 Istanbul final, they are once again vying for European glory. Simultaneously, they remain in contention for a Treble, leading Serie A with a three-point advantage over Napoli.
Despite facing formidable opponents, Inter`s capabilities should not be underestimated. Here`s why.
European Pedigree
Inter has enjoyed a period of European success, particularly since Inzaghi`s arrival in 2021, succeeding Antonio Conte. Despite financial constraints that led to player departures like Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, Inter quickly established a strong European presence. Inzaghi`s first season saw them only fall to Liverpool, followed by a Champions League final appearance the next year, where they were defeated by Manchester City after overcoming rivals AC Milan in the semi-finals. During his tenure, Inzaghi has secured a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia titles, and three Supercoppa Italiana trophies. However, clinching the Champions League would mark his crowning achievement, echoing Inter`s three previous titles, most recently in 2010 under Mourinho. Remarkably, Inzaghi has guided Inter to two semi-finals in just three years, matching the club`s semi-final appearances from 1981 to 2022. Their strong showing in the league phase, being the only Italian team in the top eight, is particularly noteworthy considering the financial dominance of Premier League clubs and European giants like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and PSG.
End of an Era?
The 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 of current veterans like Francesco Acerbi remains uncertain. Consequently, this period appears to be the culmination of a successful cycle for the current team. Similar to the 2010 Treble-winning year, this sense of transition may 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 on all fronts. Having faced Bayern Munich, their 2010 Champions League final opponent, in the quarter-finals, they are now set to face FC Barcelona in the semi-finals, mirroring the 2010 trajectory. The Barcelona team they defeated in 2010, en route to the Madrid final, was arguably even stronger, boasting stars like Xavi, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi at their peak. That same summer of 2009, Barcelona acquired Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter and sent Samuel Eto`o in the opposite direction, a player who had just won the treble with Barcelona in 2008-09. In 2010, few foresaw Inter`s triumph, a sentiment that resonates with the current season.
Dominic Ashworth