Legendary AC Milan manager Arrigo Sacchi believes that Inter Milan must still raise their level to challenge the European elite.
The Nerazzurri famously reached the Champions League twice in the last three years, but failed to lift the trophy on both occasions.
In 2023, Simone Inzaghi’s men put up an admirable display against Manchester City. However, they paid the price for their lacklustre finishing, while Rodri’s strike was enough to settle the tie and earn the Cityzens their maiden trophy.
On the contrary, Inter had an absolute nightmare against Paris Saint-Germain last season. Luis Enrique’s men ran wild in Munich, scoring five unanswered goals past the hapless Italians.
This shocking defeat certainly blemished the team’s reputation on the European stage. Despite making more appearances in the final than any other club over the last three years, Inter aren’t considered among the main favourites.
However, many punters might find the club’s relatively low odds too tempting to ignore, as evidenced by the odds provided by some of the most reliable bookmakers, including online betting ontario.
As for Sacchi, he’s unlikely to place his money on Inter, at least based on his recent statements, as be believes the traditional favourites remain well ahead.
The 79-year-old insists Cristian Chivu’s men have what it takes to win the Serie A title. However, the Champions League might be a whole different ball game.
Sacchi Believes Barcelona, Real Madrid & Others Are Better-Equipped To Win The Champions League Than Inter Milan
The former Milan and Italy boss considers Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Arsenal all stronger than the Serie A giants.
“If the Nerazzurri can fight for the Serie A title, they have a duty to do so,” said Sacchi in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport via FcInterNews.
“Then, in the Champions League, we’ll see. But if I look at Real Madrid, Barcelona, whom Inter eliminated last season, Arsenal, and PSG, Inter are still a step behind.
“They can reach those levels, but there’s a lot of work to do. The important thing is not to lose sight of the league.”
Nevertheless, Sacchi admitted that Inter have made significant improvements in their attack compared to last season.
They replaced Mehdi Taremi, Joaquin Correa and Marko Arnautovic with Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange Bonny.
“Inter, however, has a better attacking roster than last season: Lautaro, Thuram, Bonny, and Esposito form a top-class quartet. And that will have its weight.”
Can this dude STFU? You’re as irrelevant as your opinion.
Obviously, Madrid has players like Mbappe and Vini (mentally unstable and a detestable character, but can still make the difference on a given day), along with other great players like Rodrygo, Valverde, Bellingham, which makes them one of the strongest teams. That said, I’m not sure if I’d say they’re equipped to win the CL, at least not this season. I would remove Madrid from this list and add Bayern, who look much better compared to last season. If Inter were to face Barcelona, Arsenal, PSG, or Bayern, Inter would be the underdog, but I think Inter is capable of pulling a win against these teams and could even knock them out. I don’t think my take is far-fetched, let alone crazy.
Now, to go all the way in the CL we would have to do that 2-3 times. That’s where Inter failed last season. Given the fact that the team needs a major trophy desperately, I’d rather have them fully focused on Serie A before we even dream of reaching another CL final and winning it.
Yeah I don’t think Inter is capable of beating these teams but I said so last season and we made it to the final. I think we can still dream, no? Lol
Arsenal? They have more expensive squad but we still beat them I reckon.