Inter Milan`s resurgence to the Champions League elite is no accident. Under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, the Italian side has advanced to the semifinals after a quarterfinal victory over Bayern Munich. They are set to clash with FC Barcelona in the semifinals, a rematch that stirs memories of the epic 2010 showdown between Pep Guardiola`s Barcelona and Jose Mourinho`s Inter.
While the faces on and off the pitch have changed, Inter`s current squad possesses significant strength and experience. Fresh from reaching the 2023 Champions League final where they narrowly lost to Manchester City, Inter has another opportunity to conquer Europe. Simultaneously, they remain in contention for a treble, currently leading Serie A with a three-point advantage over Napoli.
Despite facing formidable opponents, Inter`s pedigree and recent successes suggest they should not be underestimated in this Champions League campaign.
European Pedigree
Inter has enjoyed a period of European success, particularly since Inzaghi`s appointment in 2021. Even after financial constraints led to player departures, Inter quickly established a strong European presence. In their first season under Inzaghi, they only succumbed to Liverpool, followed by a run to the Champions League final the next season, overcoming AC Milan in the semifinals. Inzaghi`s tenure at Inter includes a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia titles, and three Italian Super Cups. However, Champions League glory would mark the pinnacle, echoing Inter`s three previous titles, including the 2010 triumph under Mourinho. Notably, Inzaghi has guided Inter to two Champions League semifinals in just three years, matching the club`s semifinal appearances from 1981 to 2022. Inter`s strong performance in the league phase, being the sole Italian team in the top eight, is particularly noteworthy considering the financial dominance of Premier League clubs and a select few others like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and PSG.
End of an Era?
The Inter Milan squad 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 team with younger, competitive players. Future signings of players in their late 30s are unlikely, and the fate of current veterans like Francesco Acerbi remains uncertain. This potential squad overhaul suggests that the current cycle of success may be nearing its end, mirroring the 2010 season when the treble victory marked a turning point. This perceived final run could further fuel the team`s ambition, bolstered by their accumulated experience.
Is 2025 the New 2010?
Similar to their 2010 campaign, Inter remains competitive on all fronts this season. Having overcome Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, reminiscent of their 2010 Champions League final opponent, they now face FC Barcelona in the semifinals. Interestingly, the Barcelona team Inter defeated in 2010, en route to the Madrid final, was arguably stronger, featuring stars like Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi at their peak. That Barcelona had also acquired Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter and included Samuel Eto`o in the deal, who had just won the treble with Barcelona, in a landmark transfer. Back in 2010, Inter`s chances were widely doubted, a sentiment that resonates with the current season.
