Inter Milan face a huge crunch test for their season in their Champions League opener against Man City this evening.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Inter have not exactly gotten their season off to the start they’ve wanted in Serie A.
The Nerazzurri have secured two fairly convincing home wins. There was a rather businesslike 2-0 victory over Lecce, and then a 4-0 thrashing of Atalanta.
But in their two matches away from home, Inter have not convinced.
Inter had to settle for a point on opening day. They drew 2-2 away to Genoa after some late drama, in a fixture they haven’t won in since 2020.
Meanwhile, on Sunday Inter salvaged a draw away to Monza.
That match was not quite a disaster for Inter. But it was an early sign of what can happen if the team take their foot off the gas or lose focus.,
Inter Milan Face Crunch Test In Champions League Vs Man City
Inter can make those disappointments in Genoa and Monza a distant memory this evening, though.
The Nerazzurri face off with Manchester City in a rematch of the 2023 Champions League final.
On paper, the Cityzens away are probably the hardest possible match in which to begin their European adventure.
But Inter have already proven that they can go toe-to-toe with this City.
The Nerazzurri lost the 2023 final. But they did so by the narrowest of scorelines, in a match that was entirely even.
Another performance like that would be a big statement from Inter.
Naturally, the Nerazzurri will also want a result to go with it.
But even if Inter are to lose again, if they are to prevent City from outplaying them it will be a real statement of intent.
Then, all the better if Inter get an early result to help get straight to the knockout rounds in such a tough start.
But there is a risk, of course.
If Inter’s less-than-convincing early form away from home is a sign that the team is still not at their best, they could very well suffer a heavy defeat against a team of City’s quality.