30th April, 2023
Inter Milan has remarkably progressed to the UEFA Champions League semi-final this season, where they will face their fierce rivals AC Milan.
The feat is even more surprising given their poor form in the Serie A. A top-four finish seems unlikely for Inter, and winning the UCL may be their most likely path into next season’s competition.
Qualifying for Europe’s leading competition is absolutely essential for Inter due to their stuttering finances in recent times.
Failing to achieve the miracle of winning the UCL could mean some of Inter’s star players have to depart in order to raise funds.
UCL chances
A team from Milan is guaranteed to reach the final in Istanbul, but from there they will be huge underdogs. Inter are favoured to beat the Rossoneri over two legs.
In outright Champions League betting markets, they are offered at a price of -138 to reach their first final in 13 years. Paddy Power football currently offers Manchester City as clear -150 favourites to win the competition.
Inter would need somewhat of a miracle to emerge victorious in Istanbul. But the Turkish city was not short of miracles the last time it hosted the final. Milan was the victim of a stunning comeback from Liverpool at the Ataturk Stadium.
The UCL is often filled with unpredictability in each edition of the competition. Inter will hope that the odds are to be trusted and they will progress past Milan in the final four. Then they will need to produce a stunning upset against either City or Real Madrid.
It is unlikely either potential finalist would suffer from complacency against Inter. City would have the chance to secure their first success, and Madrid has an abundance of experience in winning the competition.
Inter does have the upper hand of holding European pedigree over Pep Guardiola’s team and perhaps that could make all the difference.
After all, City has struggled against teams with richer European history since Guardiola arrived seen at FourFourTwo. But if Inter does not produce the unthinkable, which players could be in demand in the transfer market?
Who could depart Inter?
Nicola Barella is an obvious candidate if Inter needs to sell players to acquire funds. The Italian has entered his prime, and it may be time to leave Italy in order to secure more major honours.
He is one of the best midfielders on the continent, and a number of English clubs specifically could be interested.
Ilkay Gundogan is expected to leave City on a free transfer and the European Championship winner would be an ideal replacement.
Liverpool could also be set for a midfield restructure in the summer following their struggles this season. Barella would represent an absolute marquee signing for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Liverpool’s midfielders are either past their best days, or young and lacking experience. The Inter midfielder is the perfect middle-ground option.
Inter could also experience some financial uplift from expiring contracts. Milan Skriniar has agreed to join Paris Saint Germain on a free transfer seen at Goal. Veterans on lucrative contracts such as Edin Dzeko and Stefan de Vrij could also be allowed to leave for free.
This summer Inter could potentially be forced to reduce the quality of their squad in order to improve the club’s financial situation.
But a remarkable UCL victory could change their planning – Inter fans can dream and they are only three 90-minute fixtures away from glory.