Share this @internewscast.com

Manchester City welcome Inter Milan to the Etihad this evening in a repeat of last year’s Champions League final.

Pep Guardiola’s side completed their historic Treble thanks to Rodri’s winner in Istanbul 15 months ago, but Inter more than held their own that night and only a combination of Ederson’s brilliance and Romelu Lukaku’s poor finishing kept them at bay.

As they head over to British soil, revenge will be on Inter’s minds, and they may just get it. After all, Inter are an even better side than the last time these two teams met.

Meanwhile, City had picked up their third straight Premier League title and seen off rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final. They appeared unstoppable, but Inter came closer than most to finding the formula to beat them.

Man City edged past Inter Milan to win the Champions League in Istanbul in 2023

Man City edged past Inter Milan to win the Champions League in Istanbul in 2023

Inter held their own but suffered from poor finishing, with Romelu Lukaku the main culprit

Inter held their own but suffered from poor finishing, with Romelu Lukaku the main culprit

Simone Inzaghi has taken Inter to the next level since that final, and are set to face City again

Simone Inzaghi has taken Inter to the next level since that final, and are set to face City again

They produced a performance to be proud of, and that may have been good enough for some. But not manager Simone Inzaghi.

He set about taking his team to the next level, with spectacular results.

Inter stormed to the Serie A title last season, picking up 94 points to finish 19 clear of their nearest challengers, and fierce rivals, AC Milan.

It was a procession as they lost just twice all season, and their underlying numbers were phenomenal. Inter scored 18 more goals and conceded 20 fewer than the previous season as Inzaghi found the perfect balance between attack and defence.

How did he achieve it? In the immediate aftermath of that final loss to City, Inter lost Lukaku, Andre Onana, Marcelo Brozovic and Milan Skriniar, who had all been key players for the club.

But they recruited smartly. In came Marcus Thuram, Yann Sommer and Benjamin Pavard.

They were able to slot into Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 system seamlessly, allowing Inter to hit the ground running and gather momentum.

Inzaghi is now into his fourth season at Inter and it shows, with each player knowing their role in the team. Pavard has proved the perfect fit on the right-hand side of the back three, the experienced Sommer has looked at home from the off, while Thuram – the son of World Cup winner, Lilian – has blossomed alongside captain Lautaro Martinez.

Inter stormed to the Serie A title last year, finishing 19 points clear of their nearest challengers

Inter stormed to the Serie A title last year, finishing 19 points clear of their nearest challengers

Inter's recruitment has been spot on, with Yann Sommer perfectly replacing Andre Onana

Inter’s recruitment has been spot on, with Yann Sommer perfectly replacing Andre Onana

Lautaro Martinez has led the side brilliantly, and is now a Ballon d'Or contender

Lautaro Martinez has led the side brilliantly, and is now a Ballon d’Or contender

The added responsibility of the armband has sat well with Martinez, who finished last season with 24 league goals to take the Serie A Golden Boot.

Some English viewers will have only seen Martinez on a handful of occasions, and may not have been particularly impressed.

He was dropped by eventual champions Argentina en route to the 2022 World Cup final after a difficult start to the tournament, and then missed a penalty in Inter’s shootout defeat by Atletico Madrid in last season’s Champions League.

Overall, he has had a very strong 12 months, though. Having led Inter to Serie A glory, he then won the Copa America with Argentina over the summer and has made the final 30 for next month’s Ballon d’Or.

He has become Inter’s talisman, and Pep Guardiola will need to be wary of his threat up top alongside Thuram.

When you throw Hakan Calhanoglu (30), Nicolo Barella (27) and Alessandro Bastoni (25) into the mix – three players either in or approaching their peaks – Inter have a very formidable side.

Will it be enough to beat City tonight? That’s a tough ask. City have won their opening four league games with something to spare this season.

Inter need to find a way to stop Erling Haaland after his flying start to the season

Inter need to find a way to stop Erling Haaland after his flying start to the season

Inter have enough quality to pose problems for Pep Guardiola's side at the Etihad

Inter have enough quality to pose problems for Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad

Erling Haaland is flying once more, and containing him is easier said than done. Inter have also stumbled a couple of times this term, having been held to draws by Genoa and Monza in Serie A.

But they did beat Europa League winners Atalanta 4-0 a couple of weeks ago, showing that when they turn it on they are the real deal.

If they can find that level of performance again tonight, a shock could be on the cards. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Everton’s Portuguese Players Honor Liverpool’s Diogo Jota with Wreath Ceremony at Anfield

Portuguese-born Everton stars Youssef Chermiti and Beto laid wreaths at Anfield on…

Leah Williamson, Lionesses Captain, Stars in Calvin Klein Underwear Campaign Ahead of Women’s Euros

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson stripped down to her underwear as she modelled…

Lionel Messi’s Contract Status with Inter Miami Unveiled Amid Rumors of Negotiations with Saudi Arabian Club

A significant development in the contract discussions between Lionel Messi and Inter…

Aaron Ramsdale Celebrates Italian Wedding with Famous Premier League Star

Two years following their low-key ceremony at a registry office in London,…

Adidas Highlights the Spirit of Competition in New Film for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025

In anticipation of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, adidas has launched an…

Ex-MLB Pitcher Daniel Serafini Shows No Emotion During Prosecutors’ Closing Arguments in Murder Case

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Daniel Serafini was pictured sitting through the…

Mohamed Salah Heads Back to Pre-Season Training with Somber Liverpool Squad After Missing Diogo Jota’s Funeral

Liverpool’s stars have been pictured returning for pre-season training, just days after…

Transfer Scoop: Tottenham Preparing Enhanced Bid for Mohammed Kudus, Updates on Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal Deal, Nottingham Forest’s Search for Anthony Elanga Alternatives, and the Latest on Jack Grealish’s Future

TOTTENHAM are expected to make an improved bid for WEST HAM forward…

Heartfelt Tribute: Liverpool Squad Gathers to Honor Diogo Jota, with Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson Leading the Tribute at His Funeral

Liverpool players were applauded as they arrived to attend Diogo Jota’s funeral…

Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Negotiations for Free Transfer to Top-Tier European Club

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has held fresh talks with Newcastle, talkSPORT understands. Calvert-Lewin is…