With last night’s victory over Borussia Dortmund, Inter secured tenth place in the final standings of the Champions League group stage, earning them a spot in the playoffs. Here are five things we learned from the latest Nerazzurri success in Germany.
1) An incredible group stage finale, full of overtakes and turnarounds: all the spectacle of the Champions League. Inter finishes tenth and let’s reiterate: this is a top 10 team in Europe. A huge pity for the Madrid upset and the absurd ending against Liverpool that condemned the Nerazzurri to the February playoff. But the overall balance remains positive. This Inter has shown it can compete with anyone.
2) Let’s start with a fact: very few win in Dortmund. Inter did it without Calhanoglu, Barella, Dumfries, Bastoni, and Lautaro. Management, suffering on just one real chance, then in the second half they took control and brought home a victory as heavy as a boulder. It was needed for the standings, but above all for the mindset of these guys after some complicated weeks.
3) Can we say it? When Dimarco, with the captain’s armband, curls in that free kick in the 80th minute, it sparks something emotional. It’s a goal worth more than three points: it’s leadership, identity, belonging. Applause also to Bisseck, rock solid, and to a growing Luis Henrique, finally more involved in the match.
4) A big round of applause also to Cristian Chivu. He is managing a difficult situation with intelligence, balance, and personality. This team has grown, is alive, and is competitive. And for this very reason, it deserves reinforcements: because with a little more help, this Inter can really dream big. Also keep an eye on Perisic: PSV is out of the Champions League.
5) For four minutes, Inter was back among the top eight. In the end, it will be a playoff against either Benfica or Bodø/Glimt. In the round of 16, there would be Sporting CP or Manchester City. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but let’s say it clearly: this Inter, at full strength, can scare anyone.
