It only took one night against a Premier League power to suggest one of San Siro’s twin tenants cannot win the . have a glorious past and, after three minutes, they led . Some 90 minutes later, it was apparent the Rossoneri’s eighth European Cup .
Yet 24 hours later, as part of a Milanese double bill against English opposition, came a contrasting display, of defiance in defence, sharpness on the break and tactical nous, to indicate are their neighbours’ opposites as well as being their rivals. had argued they are a still better side than in the 2023 Champions League final, when they came agonisingly close to forcing extra time, at the least. Some of his compliments can seem exaggerated but this looked a realistic assessment as Inter held and held their own against them.
“We played better than we did in Istanbul,” Guardiola said. There is other evidence to support his theory he faced more formidable opponents: finished 18 points off the pace in in 2022-23 and won it by 17 last season. If they , just maybe they could outperform them over nine months in Europe.
Because if the top tier of favourites for the Champions League probably only consists of two teams – Real Madrid and City – there are reasons to place Inter prominently in the second bracket, containing possible winners. Inter showed their substance at the Etihad Stadium. “We put in a giant performance,” said Simone Inzaghi.
“I asked them to play exactly as they did. We all know what Manchester City ar.