Barcelona are set to face Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final. After beating German giants Bayern MĂŒnchen 4-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, Inter now face a familiar opponent. Barcelona previously met Inter in 2022 under Xavi Hernandez in two Champions League group stage games. In the extra time of the first game, Dumfries denied Ansu Fati the ball inside Inter’s area by using his hand, but no penalty was given by VAR. The game ended in a 1-0 victory for Inter, which cost Barça precious 3 points.
Inter’s playing style and what makes them good
There are two major philosophies in modern football: Positional play and Relationalism. The perfect example of positional play is Pep Guardiola and his teams over his career. There is an emphasis on players arranged in positions with individual responsibilities. Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid is the perfect example of relationalism, where players have a lot more freedom to express themselves and roam out of position. Inzaghi’s Inter Milan is a mix of the two. There is a disciplined structure of 3-5-2, but unlike other back-3 teams, there is a twist. When building from the back, the centre-backs and midfielders often exchange positions. This confuses the opposition forwards and creates space in the midfield. This tactic is used all across the pitch, which adds unpredictability to their game without sacrificing positional importance.
Key factors for Barça and the main players
Hansi Flick will have to make sure his team defends well against Inter, but also takes advantage of the risk involved in their gameplay. Barça this season is extremely effective when it comes to Gegenpressing to win the ball back immediately. This will be an important factor to suffocate Inter’s midfield and force mistakes from their defense. Although there isn’t much time after the Copa del Rey final to rest, Player fitness will be really important. There is another advantage that Barça has over Inter Milan: technical superiority in the midfield. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong combined with Gavi, Fermi, or Olmo is the best midfield in the world when it comes to technicality. Flick’s midfielders are excellent in tight spaces and make visionary passes while also being intense defensively.
In conclusion, it will not be an easy game for Barça, and they will have to take their chances in front of the goal against an Inter team that has been good defensively in the UCL this season.