“Inter, Against Everything” is the headline opening today`s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport. This evening, Simone Inzaghi`s squad faces Barcelona in a critical match. Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram are expected to be key starters as Inzaghi attempts to reignite the team`s spirit.
The reigning Italian champions are reportedly fatigued and experiencing a difficult period. Inzaghi needs to field a team that truly believes in its ability to succeed, much like the confident performances seen consistently from Inter in European competition this season. The primary and necessary condition for them to recover and move forward is to effectively halt Barcelona`s attacks.
There is no way around it: Inter`s path to success in this match depends entirely on a formidable defensive performance, recalling strong displays like those against Monaco, Barcelona, and Chelsea during their historic treble-winning year.
While the absence of Robert Lewandowski, a goal-scoring machine already tallying 36 goals across La Liga and the Champions League, offers some level of relief, it is only to a certain extent. The Nerazzurri defense will undoubtedly be challenged and must work hard, something they have already proven capable of doing. Notably, Inter holds the record for the most clean sheets in the Champions League this season.
This season has demonstrated multiple times that there are two different versions of Inter: the one seen in the league and the one that appears in the Champions League – the latter being more focused, resilient, and ambitious. The hope is that their mental drive and adrenaline for the European stage can overcome the physical tiredness currently affecting the players.