Inter`s return to the Champions League elite is no accident. Under Simone Inzaghi, having defeated Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, they are set to clash with FC Barcelona in the semifinals. This matchup is reminiscent of 15 years prior, when Pep Guardiola`s Barcelona faced Jose Mourinho`s Inter in a memorable semifinal.
While the teams and coaches are different now, the current Inter squad possesses significant strength and experience. After a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the 2023 Champions League final, they have another opportunity to contend for the title. Simultaneously, they are in contention for a treble, leading Serie A with a three-point advantage over Napoli.
Here`s why Inter should not be underestimated, even as they prepare to face formidable opponents in the competition.
The European Experience
Inter has enjoyed recent success in European competitions since Inzaghi`s arrival in 2021. Despite financial constraints that led to player sales, Inter quickly demonstrated their European pedigree. In their first season under Inzaghi, they only lost to Liverpool. Subsequently, they reached the Champions League final, overcoming AC Milan in the semifinals. Inzaghi`s tenure at Inter includes one Serie A title, two Coppa Italia titles, and three Supercoppa Italiana titles. However, winning the Champions League would be his crowning achievement, as Inter seeks their fourth title, with the last one secured in 2010 under Mourinho. Remarkably, Inzaghi has guided Inter to two Champions League semifinals in three years, matching the total number of semifinals they reached between 1981 and 2022. Inter also distinguished themselves in the recent Champions League group stage as the only Italian team to finish among the top eight, highlighting their growing strength in European football, where Premier League clubs and a few elite teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and PSG dominate financially.
The End of a Cycle
The current Inter squad is anticipated 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 roster with younger, yet competitive players for the future. It is expected that Inter will move away from signing players in their late 30s starting this summer. The future remains uncertain for current players with expiring contracts, such as key defender Francesco Acerbi. Consequently, this period appears to be the culmination of a successful cycle for the current team. Similar to 2010, when Inter won the treble, this transitional phase might further motivate the team, bolstered by their accumulated experience.
Is 2025 the New 2010?
Drawing parallels with the 2010 season, Inter remains competitive in all competitions. After overcoming Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, reminiscent of the 2010 Champions League final, they are set to face FC Barcelona in the semifinals. Interestingly, the Barcelona team Inter defeated in the 2010 semifinal was arguably stronger, featuring Xavi, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi at their peak. That same summer of 2009, Barcelona had acquired Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter and sent Samuel Eto`o to Inter, who had just won the treble with Barcelona in the 2008-09 season, in a landmark transfer deal. In 2010, few believed in Inter`s chances, a sentiment that echoes this season.
