Yahoo Sports A tough test awaits Manchester City at the Etihad against Inter Milan
Manchester City will kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign tonight against Inter Milan. It promises to be an enthralling match between two of the best teams in Europe. The Serie A champions will be a tough opponent for Pep Guardiola’s side tonight. They are a proven commodity and will be determined to make life difficult for the world champions.
Simone Inzaghi’s side will come to the Etihad full of confidence. Although they have started the Serie A season slowly, with two wins and two draws, they are one of the best sides in Europe. They romped to the Scudetto last season only dropping two games all season. They claimed the 23/24 league title in emphatic fashion which shows just how good they are. Pep Guardiola’s side will have to be at their best to begin their UEFA Champions League campaign with a win tonight.
A look at the Inter Milan squad shows just how good they are. Up front, they have one of the best strikers in the game in Lautaro Martinez. The World Cup winner is Inter’s talisman, and if he is on his game, he leads from the front. With Nico Barella and Hakan Çalhanoglu in midfield, Inter Milan does pack enough quality to test City’s midfield. At the back, Alessandro Bastoni is one of the finest defenders in the game. Inter Milan plays in their manager’s image, and Simone Inzaghi is one of the top managers in the game. Inter Milan will pose a tough test for Manchester City tonight.
Pep Guardiola knows just how dangerous Inter Milan can be.
Speaking during his pre-game press conference yesterday Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Inter. He knows what type of test the Serie A champions will provide his team. He told the media: “Historical team and incredible mentality. They are built to win every single game and to win every competition. Last year they won a lot and that means in the mindset of the players they can do it, which is similar to us. They have good high pressing and go man to man, so they are similar to Brentford [in that regard], and after, they defend with typical Italian mentality that they have to suffer. They are also strong in set pieces. Incredible qualities.”
Summary.
A tough test awaits Manchester City at the Etihad tonight. Inter Milan are a proven commodity at the top level and will bring their own weapons to the Etihad. They may also be out for revenge for their defeat to Manchester City in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final. Tonight’s match has the makings of a classic and Pep Guardiola’s side will have to be at their best to ensure they make a winning start to their 24/25 UEFA Champions League campaign.
Esteemed Kompany host Steven Mcinerney previews tonight’s match in the video below. He gives his predicted City starting lineup and looks at the game and more in the video below.
