Inter Milan have taken their place among European football’s heavy hitters under Simone Inzaghi.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Inter captured the imagination with their run to last season’s Champions League final.

The Nerazzurri were not necessarily among the favourites to reach the final. Particularly not after finding themselves in a “group of death” against Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

But Inter got there.

And against Manchester City, perhaps the strongest team in Europe for several seasons now, Inter went toe-to-toe.

The Nerazzurri could even legitimately claim to have been unfortunate not to at least force extra time and lift the trophy.

But even with that performance, Inter didn’t necessarily come into this season’s Champions League among the favourites for the competition.

But early season form suggests that they should be.

Inter Looking Like European Heavy-Hitters Under Simone Inzaghi

The Gazzetta note that, in Europe’s top five leagues, Inter are the only team to have both the best attacking and defensive record.

None of Manchester City, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Paris Saint-Germain can boast as much.

And Inter are also the only team currently leading their league who are also top of their Champions League group.

The Nerazzurri are level on points with Real Sociedad at the top of their group. And they lead Juventus, AC Milan, and Napoli in the Serie A table.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain are top of Ligue 1, but behind Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League group.

Bayern Munich top their Champions League group but not the Bundesliga table. The same is true of Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.

Therefore, the Gazzetta argues, Inter have every reason to feel that they’re among the heavy-hitters in the competition.

No longer can Inter be considered a favourable draw for anyone in the Champions League. Under Inzaghi, they are among the sides to be feared.