Former Inter Milan, Fiorentina, and Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo feels that the Nerazzurri should play against Man City in the Champions League final the same way that they did against Barcelona in the semifinal second leg in 2010.
Speaking to Italian news outlet SportItalia, the Brazilian gave his thoughts on the tactical side of the final in Istanbul.
Inter got one of their most iconic results of the modern era away to Barcelona during the 2009-10 season.
Whilst it was a loss, the 0-1 defeat was enough to see them move on to the final. That was because of the Nerazzurri’s 3-1 victory in the first leg at the San Siro.
Though Inter still had to beat Bayern Munich in the final that season, many felt that going through against Barcelona was the real test. In the minds of many, that was the moment Inter secured the Champions League, and the European Treble.
Even losing against Barcelona, doing so by a one-goal margin at the Camp Nou became an iconic result for Inter.
This time around, the Nerazzurri once again face a team widely considered to be the strongest in Europe. And like in 2010, they meet a team coached by Pep Guardiola.
Melo: Inter Should Repeat 2010 Barcelona Tactic Vs Man City
In 2010, Inter’s aggregate triumph over Barcelona was seen as a real feat because those Blaugranas were widely regarded as the best team in Europe.
Up against another seemingly unstoppable possession machine, Melo feels that Inter should take a page from former coach Jose Mourinho’s book.
Melo noted that “It takes a lot to reach the Champions League final.”
“Nobody expected Inter to get to this point.”
“This match will be hugely difficult,” he continued. “City are a very strong team. They’re a complete team, up front they have Erling Haaland who is too strong, fast, and tall.”
Melo then argued that “Inter are an Italian team and Italian football is tactically the strongest in the world.”
“I think Italy won the European Championship with Roberto Mancini without having the strongest team,” he continued.
“But the coach understands how to get the best out of his players,” the Brazlian went on. “This gives you hope that you can win.”
“All this reminds me of the match that Jose Mourinho’s Inter played against Barcelona at the Camp Nou,” Melo looked back.
He called that semifinal second leg “An amazing match against an unbelievable Barcelona team.”
“They qualified for the final with a player like Samuel Eto’o playing fullback,” Melo noted.
“If everyone helps each other out for this Inter team, who’re a tough side.. why not?” Melo said of the final.
“Maybe they’re able to score a goal on the counterattack,” he suggested. “One can never give up an Italian team for dead. I’m hoping that we play a great match and win.”
