Italian journalist Giancarlo Padovan believes that Inter must put in a good display against Real Madrid on Wednesday after dropping points against Sampdoria if they want to get their season back on track.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, the journalist gave the view that the 2-2 draw away to Sampdoria earlier today was a stumble and that the Nerazzurri must prove that their strong form in the first two matches of the season wasn’t a mirage by performing well against Real in their Champions League group stage opener.

Inter twice took the lead against Sampdoria and showed flashes of individual quality during the match, but they did not manage to prevent Sampdoria from finding an equalizer on both occasions, or find a winner in the second half, looking tired and holding out for a point by the end.

Padovan emphasizes the need to redeem themselves by showing that they can take on Real Madrid rather than allowing the setback against Sampdoria to get back into form.

“A bit of a misstep by Inter,” he said. “Today they needed to get three points and instead took only one. The match was well-contested, balanced. Sampdoria hasn’t stolen anything.”

He went on, “Something went wrong for Inter: I wouldn’t say the goals, but that defensive solidity that we had learned to appreciate. Real Madrid today is an unknown, Ancelotti is there but there are not many major players. It will be an open game, Inter can redeem themselves. They has to play a great match.”