Inter Milan’s stunning mediocrity in Champions League play has not abated as they fell before Barcelona 2-0 today. Following three under whelming draws and a victory that can only be described as fortunate, the nerazzurri have yet to figure out a winning formula for Europe’s most prestigious tournament.
Unlike their hated rivals from AC Milan, Inter is clueless when it comes to tournament play in recent years. Serie A dominance once meant automatic conquering of world soccer. Not anymore. Inter’s successful and impressive league play has not transferred onto the continent.
Interestingly, while Inter reigns supreme in Italy, the teams trailing them in the race for the Scudetto and who are competing in Champions League alongside Inter, have been more convincing in the group stage. What’s most disturbing is Inter’s inability to impress anyone against Europe’s powerhouses. There hasn’t been a “wow” moment for them. We keep waiting…and waiting.
To put it in perspective, so far, AC Milan marched into Spain and defeated Real Madrid, Juventus drew Bayern Munich in Germany and Fiorentina, hardly a tournament titan, have posted improbable wins over Liverpool and Lyon.
Jose Mourinho, in all his tactical prowess, was brought in to take Inter over the Champions League hump. So far, his magic touch has maintained itself in Serie A but not against Rubin, Kazan, Dinamo Kiev and Barcelona. And, to remind and rehash the pain for Inter fans, neither was last year’s campaign becoming of a team so dominant in Italy.
They seem to have an identity crisis when it comes to tournament play. The confidence exuded in Italy seems to evaporate when facing unfamiliar sides in Europe. Inter is not endowed with a fluid style but they have outstanding tenacity and spirit, a world class keeper in Julio Caesar, a solid midfield and a capable strike force.
It’s a far more balanced team than last season. Where they lacked creativity in the middle and passed and patched their offense through one player – Zlatan Ibrahimovich – this year they addressed that problem by adding Thiago Motta and Wesley Sneijder. Moreover, Samuel E’to, Mario Balotelli and Diego Milito serve as a very good offensive punch.
In other words, they have the players and dept to go deep into Champions League. There’s no reason they should be struggling this badly.
Alas, not all is lost. As it stands, they sit in second place in Group F. A victory over Russian champions Rubin Kazan – who beat Barcelona earlier – seals their fate into the next round.
If that does happen, Inter will have to learn how to win if it fancies itself an international dominant outfit.
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