One phrase dominates the Italian newspapers this morning – ‘mitica’.
It is the Italian phrase for ‘legendary’ – however it doesn’t describe an epic semi-final tie, nor a topsy-turvy second leg. The time period is used to explain the Internazionale workforce managed by Simone Inzaghi.
Two years in the past, there was heartbreak in Istanbul. This Inter aspect fought valiantly within the Champions League last, undeservedly shedding 1-0 – as they fell brief in opposition to one of the best model of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester Metropolis.
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Now, they go to Munich with an expertise that no one else left within the competitors can match. Regardless of whether it is Arsenal or PSG, the Nerazzurri – with three Champions League titles already of their locker – will face a aspect that has by no means received the competitors earlier than.
Davide Frattesi celebrates after Inter got here 3-2 right down to win 4-3 in opposition to Barcelona
Expertise is the important thing phrase about this Inter workforce. It is among the causes that, maybe till now, Inter haven’t been taken severely. In any case, that’s the Inzaghi manner.
Earlier than becoming a member of Inter, the 49-year-old took Lazio to 2 Coppa Italia finals – successful one, together with two Italian Tremendous Cup trophies – very a lot in opposition to the chances.
And never simply the chances of high quality, however the odds of age. Inzaghi’s Lazio period was outlined by the Italian coach getting one of the best out of gamers aged 30 and above. His 2019 Coppa Italia-winning workforce had Lucas Leiva, 32, Marco Parolo, 34, plus wing-back Senad Lulic, 33, in key areas.
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The Each day Mail’s Riath Al-Samarrai and The Athletic David Ornstein react to Inter Milan’s memorable victory over Barcelona following their semi last second leg Champions League tie.
With Inter, it is a very related technique. Towards Barcelona, Inter named the oldest workforce to end up in a semi-final in eight years.
Two out of the three midfield lynchpins have been Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mhkitaryan, who’ve a mixed age of 67, with Yann Sommer making 14 saves throughout the 2 legs aged 36. Inter undoubtedly acquired their cash’s value after promoting Andre Onana to Manchester United for £43m.
The essential participant who stepped as much as pressure the second leg into additional -ime? Francesco Acerbi, aged 37 and a part of Inzaghi’s Lazio workforce, who turned the second-oldest participant to attain in a Champions League knockout recreation, after Ryan Giggs.
Simone Inzaghi celebrates with Francesco Acerbi, who he took from Lazio to Inter
Whereas all of the pre-match speak was about 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, the headline was taken by somebody twenty years his senior.
The expertise of age is a key a part of this Inter workforce, however there may be loads of youthful verve in there too – notably out broad.
Whereas Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco are formally put down as wing-backs, they’re something however. They take the type of attacking wingers – and dominate the attacking metrics amongst defenders in Europe.
It’s why Dumfries ended up with two targets and three assists throughout the 2 Barcelona legs. Dimarco, in the meantime, has created the best variety of massive possibilities out of any defender in Europe’s high 5 leagues.
The rationale why the 2 wing-backs have such luxurious to assault is the help system straight behind them. Dumfries can bomb ahead as a result of Benjamin Pavard – a right-back morphed right into a extra modest centre-back in a again three – covers his floor.
One the left, Dimarco is supported on and off the ball by Alessandro Bastoni. There was a first-half second on the San Siro in opposition to Barcelona the place Yamal breezed previous Dimarco within the penalty space, solely to be met by a Bastoni brick wall. Inter scored their first from the subsequent assault.
Bastoni additionally tends to drive ahead, which isn’t a foul thought. Primarily as a result of his left foot is usually used to nice impact, however it additionally creates more room for Dimarco.
And are Inter caught out with too many our bodies ahead? Completely not. “If I assault, Lautaro or Mkhitaryan go in defence,” mentioned Bastoni final yr. “Everybody defends, and everybody assaults; there’s a code everybody should respect.”
Talking of Lautaro Martinez, Inter have the talisman who’s taking over the Diego Milito function from 2010. In reality, his second-leg strike in opposition to Barcelona means he has equalled Hernan Crespo’s report for many targets for Inter in a Champions League marketing campaign.
Another aim and Lautaro steps into historical past. Another win and no one will gloss over Inter’s identify once more.
