Inter lacked the necessary maturity to get the better of a savvy and high-quality opponent in the form of Real Madrid yesterday evening, according to Italian media.
This from today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, who argue that the Nerazzurri’s inexperience was exposed by their opposition during the 2-0 Champions League defeat.
Inter played an exuberant and high-tempo game to try and get the better of the La Liga leaders at the Bernabeu, dominating possession early and creating a number of chances.
However, the home side proved to be more clinical and composed both in attack and defense, and the Nerazzurri’s players looked to lose their composure as the match wore on.
Nicolo Barella’s second half sending off was a key moment in the match, with his rash overreaction to a rough challenge by Real defender Eder Militao unnecessary and leaving his team with little chance of getting back into a match they were already trailing.
Turrosport also highlight the angry reaction of midfielder Marcelo Brozovic after he was taken off as a substitute during the second half.
The 29-year-old was visibly upset to be leaving the pitch after another solid shift, but the newspaper argue that the Croat was merely being removed to preserve his energy, and he needed to show more calmness in the moment.
Inter will have to face another top European side soon, with their opponents for the round of sixteen to be revealed early next week, and they cannot afford these moments of immaturity if they wish to make it out of these matchups.