One word dominates the Italian newspapers – 'Mitica' this morning.
The expression means 'legendary' but it does not describe epic semi-final tie, nor a topsy-turwy second stage. The term is used to describe the Internazional team that is managed by Simone Inzaghi.
Two years ago there was a heartache in Istanbul. This interkant bravely fought in the final of the Champions League and lost undeserved with 1-0 – while they shot in the best version of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.
Now they go to Munich with an experience that no one else can match in the competition. It does not matter whether it is Arsenal or PSG, the Nerazzurri – with three Champions League titles that are already in their locker – a side will be confronted that the competition has never won before.
Experience is the keyword about this inter -team. It is one of the reasons that Inter may not have been taken seriously so far. After all, that is the Inzaghi way.
Before the 49 -year -old came to Inter, the 49 -year -old Lazio took to two Coppa Italia Finals -a winning, together with two Italian Super Cup trophies -a lot against expectations.
And not only the chance of quality, but the chance of age. The Lazio era of Inzaghi was determined by the Italian coach who got the best from players aged 30 and older. His 2019 Coppa Italia-winning team had Lucas Leiva, 32, Marco Parolo, 34, Plus Wing-Back Senad Lulic, 33, in important areas.
With Inter it is a very similar strategy. Against Barcelona, ​​the oldest team was mentioned to get into a semi -final in eight years.
Two of the three midfield Lynchpins were Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mhkitaryan, who have a combined age of 67, with Yann Sommer made 14 saves about the two legs of 36 years old. Inter certainly received their money after the sale of Andre Onana to Manchester United for £ 43m.
The crucial player who performed to force the second stage into Extra -Time? Francesco Acerbi, 37 years old and part of the Lazio team of Inzaghi, who became the second oldest player who scored in a knockout match for Champions League, after Ryan Giggs.
Although all the pre-match talk was about the 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, someone was taken by someone's senior for two decades.
The age of age is an important part of this Inter team, but there is also a lot of youthful verve – especially wide.
While Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco are officially portrayed as wingbacks, they are anything but. They take the form of attacking wing players – and dominate the attacking statistics between defenders in Europe.
That is why Dumfries finished with two goals and three assists about the two Barcelona legs. Dimarco has meanwhile made the highest number of great opportunities of every defender in Europe's top five competitions.
The reason why the two wing backs have so much luxury to attack is the support system directly behind them. Dumfries can bomb forward because Benjamin Pavard – a right back turned into a more modest center -back in a back three – covers its land.
A left, Dimarco is supported on and out of the ball by Alessandro Bastoni. There was a first half moment in the San Siro against Barcelona, ​​where Yamal shot Dimarco in the penalty area, only to be met by a Bastoni-brick wall. Inter scored their first of the next attack.
Bastoni also tends to drive ahead, which is not a bad idea. Especially since his left foot is often used in a major effect, but it also creates more room for Dimarco.
And are inter caught with too many bodies? Absolutely not. “If I attack, Lautaro or MKHitaryan will be defending,” said Bastoni last year. “Everyone defends, and everyone attacks; there is a code that everyone should respect.”
Speaking of Lautaro Martinez, Inter has the Talisman who takes on the Diego Milito Rol of 2010. In fact, his strike in the second row against Barcelona means that he has matched the record of Hernan Crespo for most goals for Inter in a Champions League campaign.
Another goal and Lautaro steps into history. Another victory and nobody will reject the name of Inter again.