The Athletic FC Podcast: Have Inzaghi's Inter Proven How Good They Really Are?

Release Date: May 7, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Paul Belous, Max Caligari, James Horncastle
Episode Overview:
In this episode, The Athletic FC Podcast delves deep into Inter Milan's remarkable journey to the Champions League final, assessing whether Simone Inzaghi's side has truly demonstrated their prowess on Europe’s biggest stage. The discussion navigates through the team's tactical brilliance, standout performances, and the impact of key players, while also reflecting on their adversaries, particularly Barcelona.

1. Inter Milan's Historic Champions League Run

Ayo Akinwolere opens the discussion by highlighting Inter Milan's stunning progression to the Champions League final after a thrilling semi-final against Barcelona. The conversation centers on where this tie ranks among the most memorable in competition history and Inter's chances in the final.

[02:20] Ayo Akinwolere: "Inter are through to the Champions League final after a breathtaking semi-final against Barcelona. So where does that rank amongst the best knockout matches in the competition's history?"

James Horncastle commends the match's intensity and emotional stakes, likening it to gladiatorial combat on the football pitch.

[06:15] James Horncastle: "This Inter Milan side was... possibly the best case scenario for the neutral viewer. I mean, top three Champions League ties that we have ever witnessed."

2. Tactical Mastery and Team Resilience

Max Caligari emphasizes the tactical battle between Inter and Barcelona, praising Inter's ability to capitalize on Barcelona's high-risk, high-reward strategy. He lauds Simone Inzaghi's approach in managing the team's strengths against their formidable opponents.

[04:54] Max Caligari: "What happened on the pitch was possibly the best case scenario for the neutral viewer... it had all the elements that you would want in a Champions League tie."

Paul Belous adds to this by comparing Inter’s semi-final performance to other legendary matches, citing the All-time greats like Manchester City vs. Real Madrid.

[05:02] Paul Belous: "Manchester City versus Real Madrid... unbelievable."

3. Standout Performances and Key Players

Francesco Archerbi: The Veteran Hero

One of the episode's highlights is the focus on Francesco Archerbi, Inter’s 37-year-old defender, whose pivotal goal secured Inter's place in the final.

[11:32] Paul Belous: "At 37 years old, Francesco Archerbi scored the equalizer. It's extraordinary for a veteran player to make such a decisive impact."

James Horncastle elaborates on Archerbi's journey, highlighting his resilience overcoming testicular cancer and his evolution into a leadership figure at Inter.

[12:00] James Horncastle: "He is incredible because he arrived as a player under Simone Inzaghi... one of the heroes of Inter and a symbol of Simone Inzaghi's style of play."

Jan Sommer: The Goalkeeping Maestro

James Horncastle praises Inter's goalkeeper, Jan Sommer, for his exceptional performances, particularly his crucial saves against Barcelona.

[15:01] James Horncastle: "Ian Sommer is that sort of goalkeeper... he's absolutely key to that."

Paul Belous echoes this sentiment, noting Sommer's influence on Inter's build-up play and his shot-stopping abilities.

[14:30] Paul Belous: "Jan Sommer made two absolutely memorable saves last night... sometimes when the keeper is so good, you're like, what do I have to do to get past this guy?"

Max Denzel Dumfries: The Indefatigable Engine

Paul Belous highlights Max Denzel Dumfries as the relentless engine of Inter, crucial in both ties against Barcelona.

[19:40] Paul Belous: "Dumfries is pivotal... he just never stops running. He was decisive with his goal and assists in the first leg."

James Horncastle commends Dumfries’ improvement and leadership, attributing his success to dedicated training and tactical acumen.

[20:07] James Horncastle: "He has speed, strength, and tactical awareness... one of the leaders of the team."

Lamin Yamal: The Prodigy Shining on the Big Stage

A significant portion of the discussion is devoted to Lamin Yamal, a 17-year-old sensation whose performance against Barcelona has garnered widespread acclaim.

[33:35] Paul Belous: "Lamin is phenomenal... he doesn't just dribble for the sake of dribbling. There is an end product from his moves."

James Horncastle marvels at Yamal’s composure and football intelligence, comparing his early impact to that of Lionel Messi at the same age.

[35:33] James Horncastle: "It's magical to see... better than Lionel Messi was at the same age, at the same stage."

4. Simone Inzaghi’s Leadership and Tactical Genius

The podcast delves into Simone Inzaghi's managerial prowess, crediting him for fostering a cohesive team environment and maximizing player potential despite financial constraints compared to giants like Manchester City and Real Madrid.

[30:15] Paul Belous: "Simone Inzaghi has done remarkable work... improving players and leading the team with an Ancelotti style."

James Horncastle underscores Inzaghi’s strategic decisions, such as player transformations and maintaining group cohesion, which have been pivotal to Inter's success.

[30:52] James Horncastle: "He involves every player, manages the group effectively, and ensures everyone is giving their best."

5. Barcelona’s Struggles and Future Prospects

While celebrating Inter’s achievements, the conversation also touches upon Barcelona’s journey, their tactical missteps against Inter, and the potential of their young talents like Laíml Yamal.

James Horncastle reflects on Hansi Flick’s frustrations with refereeing decisions but acknowledges Barcelona’s deserving progression and potential for future success.

[25:44] James Horncastle: "Flick recognized that Barcelona deserved to go through... there's a sense of missed opportunity but also fuel for future success."

Paul Belous speculates on Barcelona's focus shifting towards La Liga, emphasizing their strong position and the impact of their upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid.

[38:26] Paul Belous: "Barcelona is in a strong position in La Liga... they have a lot to play for."

6. The Impact of the Semi-Final on Inter's Season

James Horncastle praises Inter for their historical elimination of giants like Bayern Munich and Barcelona, suggesting this momentum will carry them confidently into the final against Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal.

[23:11] James Horncastle: "Eliminating Bayern Munich and Barcelona is historical... they will arrive at the end of the season against PSG or Arsenal with a lot of confidence."

Paul Belous lauds the team’s focus and resilience, asserting that Inter’s achievements this season are a testament to their underrated quality and strategic excellence.

[25:18] Paul Belous: "It's incredible that Inter could play two games like they did against Barcelona and now they're in the final. They deserve this opportunity."

7. Conclusion: A Season of Resurgence and Promise

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments of Inter Milan's resurgence under Simone Inzaghi, the emergence of young talents like Lamin Yamal, and the strategic acumen that has propelled them to their second Champions League final in three years. The hosts express optimism about Inter’s chances in the final and anticipate continued success in both domestic and European competitions.

[41:05] Paul Belous: "Probably one of the best in history. That's it from us. We'll be back tomorrow."

Key Takeaways

• Simone Inzaghi’s Leadership: Instrumental in maximizing Inter’s potential and fostering a cohesive team environment despite financial limitations.
• Francesco Archerbi and Jan Sommer: Veteran performances proving crucial in securing Inter's Champions League place.
• Max Denzel Dumfries and Lamin Yamal: Representing the blend of experience and youthful exuberance driving Inter forward.
• Barcelona’s Tactical Challenges: Despite their talent, high-risk strategies led to their downfall against a well-prepared Inter team.
• Future Prospects: Inter’s historical eliminations signal strong confidence heading into the final, while Barcelona looks to rebuild and capitalize on their young stars.

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of Inter Milan’s exceptional Champions League run, highlighting the strategic, individual, and collective elements that have positioned them as formidable contenders on the European stage.