Inter Milan is too special.

Inter Milan thrives thanks to veteran players like Yann Sommer (36 years old).

Inter Milan has just written another epic chapter in European football history by overcoming Barcelona with a 7-6 aggregate score in two dramatic Champions League semi-final matches, thus securing their place in the final. After missing out on the Champions League final in the 2022/23 season, Inter Milan hopes to rewrite history.

An emotional journey

Under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi, the Nerazzurri not only defeated Barcelona but had previously eliminated Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. This achievement led Inzaghi to proudly declare that his team had overcome "the two strongest teams in Europe".

The semi-final match against Barcelona was a testament to Inter Milan's indomitable spirit. Up until the 90+2 minute of the second leg, the Italian team was trailing 2-3 (aggregate score 5-6 in favor of Barca) and faced the risk of being eliminated.

But in injury time, 37-year-old center-back Francesco Acerbi scored the equalizer, sending the game into extra time. In extra time, Davide Frattesi, who just the day before had been unable to train due to injury, became the hero with the winning goal in the 105th minute.

“Frattesi had to take painkillers to play,” coach Inzaghi revealed about Inter’s squad challenges. “Denzel Dumfries, Lautaro Martinez, and Marcus Thuram have all had problems in the last few weeks. To reach the final, suffering is inevitable.”

Coach Inzaghi also rated Bayern Munich and Barcelona as the two best teams in Europe this season: “The match against Barcelona was extremely difficult; they possess a superior level of skill. Bayern Munich is also very strong. They are two top teams.”

What makes Inter special this season is also the fact that they possess a cohesive team, where players who were once underestimated have shone brightly. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marko Arnautovic, and Matteo Darmian, once considered "surplus" and unremarkable in the Premier League, have now become pillars of Inter's success over the past three seasons.

'The Outcasts' Shine

Mkhitaryan, who was part of a failed swap deal between Manchester United and Arsenal years ago, seemed to be past his prime. However, he rediscovered his top form in Italy.

At 36 years old, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is still playing very well at Inter.

Arnautovic even faced opposition from Manchester United fans when the English club considered signing the Austrian star. However, the former West Ham striker has proven his worth with important contributions this season.

After an unsuccessful spell in England, Darmian became a symbol of stability in Inter's defense. Francesco Acerbi, at 37, proved his resilience by scoring the decisive equalizer against Barcelona in injury time.

Just a few years ago, no one thought Acerbi would score in a Champions League semi-final. The defender, born in 1988, rose to prominence relatively late, playing in the lower divisions of Italian football until he was 22 years old.

Mkhitaryan (36 years old) was also the player who ran the most in the first leg of the semi-final. He and Calhanoglu (31 years old) formed an outstanding central midfield partnership this season, despite their combined age of 67. They are proof of Inzaghi's philosophy: every player can shine if placed in the right position and given the opportunity.

It's important to remember that despite their success on the pitch, Inter Milan have faced significant financial difficulties in recent years. In 2021, the club recorded a record loss of €245.6 million, and although this decreased to €85 million in 2023, the figure remains a cause for concern.

Suning's owner, under the management of Steven Zhang, faced a €395 million debt to investment fund Oaktree Capital Management. By May 2024, due to its inability to repay the loan, Suning lost control, and Oaktree acquired 99.6% of Inter's shares.

This change marked a major turning point, causing difficulties for Inter. However, the club still maintained its competitiveness thanks to smart transfer deals. The sale of Andre Onana to Manchester United for €52.5 million and Marcelo Brozovic helped the club temporarily avoid bankruptcy.

The average age of Inter Milan's squad for the 2024/25 season is 26.8 years old, according to data from Transfermarkt . This is the highest average age among all teams participating in this season's Champions League, reflecting the club's financial difficulties.

Despite everything, Inter's squad of affordable veterans has reached the Champions League final for the second time in the last three seasons. Inter's success in recent years is a story of a team overcoming all limitations, from financial difficulties to on-field challenges.

Source: https://znews.vn/inter-milan-qua-dac-biet-post1551533.html