Inter Milan are not just aiming for the Serie A title, as a deep run in the Champions League also becomes a realistic goal.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, highlight several factors that could allow the Nerazzurri to match last season’s European exploits.
Inter’s focus for the past few months has been squarely on Serie A.
There has also been the Coppa Italia – Inter disappointingly exited the competition in December – and the Supercoppa Italiana – which the Nerazzurri won for the third season in a row.
But it has been in the league that Inter have really pushed themselves.
That has allowed the Nerazzurri to go seven points clear of Juventus for the time being.
There will be plenty of tough matches on the way for Inter to make good on that advantage and actually win the title. But they are now well-placed.
And now, the Champions League is back.
Not Just Serie A – Inter Also Targeting Champions League Run
Last season, Inter made it all the way to the Champions League final.
Naturally, doing so again would remain a highly ambitious goal. There is always a degree of luck in a knockout competition like the Champions League.
But the Gazzetta argue that it would not just be blind optimism for Inter to think they can do it again.
The Nerazzurri will feel that they can really focus on Europe given their form and advantage domestically.
That can certainly be a factor.
Then, there is a sense that this Nerazzurri team has only become stronger than the one that reached the final last season.
That is certainly reflected in Inter’s form in the league. Where last season the Nerazzurri faltered, this time around they have been a winning machine.
Meanwhile, the Gazzetta argue, the Nerazzurri have a squad that’s even more suited to Europe.
In defense, for example, Benjamin Pavard has added an extra touch of class. The Frenchman’s pace, technical ability, and tactical acumen mean that Inter won’t fear even Europe’s strongest attacks unduly.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, Marcus Thuram has given Inter’s attack a more “European” dimension, thew Gazzetta argue.
The Frenchman has perfectly replaced Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku.
Lastly, Inter’s midfield trio seems to have greater balance than ever.
There is no lack of technical acumen between Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
But at the same time, the three also offer grit, energy, and stamina. These are just as important in the context of big matches on a European stage.
