Inter Milan will need to be the “real” version of themselves if they’re to have any chance of getting a result against Man City tomorrow.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Inter do have reason for hope and confidence ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League “league phase” opener against Manchester City.
That comes from the fact that the Nerazzurri have faced the Cityzens in recent memory.
That was in the Champions League final for the 2022-23 season.
Heading into that match, City were widely considered to be the heavy favourites.
Inter had impressed massively to get as far as the final of Europe’s top club competition. But many felt that City would simply be a bridge too far for the Nerazzurri.
And the Premier League team did win the match.
It was a 1-0 victory for the Cityzens, courtesy of a second half winner from midfielder Rodri.
It was not as though Inter had been outplayed by the English juggernauts, however.
On the contrary, the match was a very even contest. Inter went toe-to-toe with City, and even had several good chances to equalize in the closing stages of the match.
Therefore, Inter will feel that if they perform at that level, they could have luck on their side in this meeting with the Cityzens.
“Real Inter” Necessary To Have A Chance Vs Man City
There’s no guarantee that Inter will play at that level, however.
After the Champions League final, Inter seemed to find another gear last season.
The Nerazzurri found their best – and most relentless – form to win the Serie A title in dominant fashion.
At the start of this season, though, there have been lapses.
Against Monza over the weekend, Inter had to settle for a 1-1 draw. This was the result of some fairly turgid play in possession, and a lack of attention in defense.
Inter cannot afford any of that against City tomorrow.
Inter have to find their very best form if they’re to have any hope of being the first team to stop City this season.