Ever since winning the UEFA Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu beating Bayern Munich two goals to nil with a brace from Diego Milito in 2010, the Nerazzurri haven’t fared well in the Champions League.
Inter’s highest level since then was the quarter-finals a year later, which featured a forgettable 7-3 aggregate loss to Bundesliga heavyweights Schalke 04.
Inter have since been knocked out of the competition twice in the round of 16, three times in the group stage and have failed to qualify for Europe’s most prestigious club competition on six occasions.
Last season they threw in the towel in the round of 16, but at a better side, Liverpool.
With the start of a new season in the CL almost beginning, every conscientious football fan is ready for thrilling wins, lackluster draws, thrilling events like the Ignition Live Casino and heartbreaking losses (there won’t be many, hopefully).
Putting aside all the fanfare, combining optimism and reality is key to considering how far the Nerazzurri can go.
Did Inter Milan qualify for the Champions League?
Not to say the obvious, but yes, they did. Inter Milan finished second in the league, narrowly losing to rivals AC Milan in the 2021/22 Seria A season, which guaranteed them automatic Champions League qualification.
Regardless of their focus on the Scudetto, Inter still hope to regain their place in European folklore by winning the Champions League.
It’s a feat that would shock anyone – since they’re not favorites to win the competition like the usual suspects: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Who will play Inter Milan at UCL
Like all the other clubs qualified for the competition, the Nerazzurri will know their fate on Thursday, August 25, in Istanbul, Turkeywhere the group stage draw is to take place.
simone InzaghiThe team are hoping for a favorable draw in the competition, allowing them to replicate the success of last season.
Unlike the 2021/22 season where they were seeded in Pot 1 (because they competed as Italian champions), this time they will be seeded in Pot 3 due to their 67,000 score. in the UEFA club coefficient ranking.
Typically, no club is happy to be in pot three as the odds of facing two European heavyweights in the group stage are very high.
But this team has come a long way and will be looking to tap into the kind of energy that successful underdogs possess.
Inter team strength
Inter have bolstered their ranks this summer with the addition of Andre Onana, who is expected to become the first-choice goalkeeper.
And when it comes to squad roster, they are well provisioned in the goalkeeping department, where club captain Handanovic is expected to fill in alongside Cordaz, who is expected to serve as a third option.
Nothing much changes at centre-back except for the departure of Andrea Ranocchia, who racked up a total of 98 minutes in the last Champions League campaign; we are not expected to miss him.
In midfield, Inter Milan is spoiled for choice. They have the likes of Brozovic, Asllani, Barella, Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan to choose.
A front line of Lukaku, Martinez and Correa is all on the cards, while Eden Dzeko will prove to be a threat when called upon.
The team’s apparent weakness comes from the left-back position. Unless there is a new arrival, the Dutchman Gosens should fill this role after the departure of Ivan Perisic at Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Dumfries and Darmian will occupy the right-back position, with Dumfries likely to be the first-choice winger.
Our prediction
Inter Milan could play a 3-4-1-2 formation, which allows them to absorb pressure and hit teams on counterattacks. This tactic, if executed well, will make things very difficult for teams that like to be on the cutting edge.
However, Inter Milan have recently struggled to replicate their league form in the Champions League, having snapped their duck in the group stage last season.
If they could avoid drawing against two European heavyweights in the group stage, we would see a round of 16 and maybe a quarter-final if they get a better draw in the round of 16.
A semi-final will most likely be beyond the explanation of the club and the fans. Although winning the contest seems unlikely, it is not impossible. We’ve seen crazier things in football, haven’t we?
Jose Mourinho 2003/04 and 2009/10 Porto and Inter sides and 2011/12 Chelsea scored similar wins despite the odds.