Inter Milan | vs | Barcelona |
| Date / Time: | Competition: | Live / Repeat: |
| September 17, 2009 - 12:30am(GMT+6:00) | UEFA Champions League | Live |
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Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona – UEFA Champions League Match Preview
This match will be the Catalans’ first Champions League game of the group stage, and considering the strength of their Italian opponents, they will need to remain composed in other to keep the winning spirit that led them to glory last season.
Undeniably, this will not be an easy task, but the Spanish Giants have no choice but to survive away from home; whereas Milan’s Internazionale will want to get a brilliant start to their European campaign.
Conclusively, anyone can expect the game to be decided according to both teams’ mentality, as well as on their advantages and challenges.
Inter Milan’s chances of winning
Jose Mourinho’s side was able to clinch an automatic place in this year’s Champions League finals after getting the Serie A title last season.
The gigantic side are now used to winning domestic titles; however, their desire of triumphing in Europe is now incontrollable. 
Despite the entry of former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho in the club a year ago, the Milanese were still unable to reach the final stage of the Champions League last season, following a 2-0 defeat on aggregate to Manchester United, in the last 16 of the competition.
This season though, Inter Milan are planning something new altogether, and having learnt from their mistakes in the past, the Nerazurri will hope to overcome all their upcoming challenges.
Jose Mourinho knows how tough his first Champions League game will be against Barcelona, but having met the Spanish side on several occasions during his years in England, the Portuguese manager is likely to find the perfect tricks to handle the treble winners.
Surely, one might think that things will be totally different for Inter’s trainer, as the Catalan side has proved to be a totally different one on every aspect, under their new manager Pep Guardiola.
In any case, it is clear that Milan’s manager is more expert than Guardiola, but now, the main question is “Will Mourinho be able to impose himself on Barcelona’s men?”
This will depend on the formation and techniques that will be applied by Inter during the 90 minutes of their game at the San Siro next Wednesday. Nevertheless, it highly probable that the Italian champions will try and put pressure on Barcelona’s defense; yet, if ever they were to do so, things would turn out to be pretty difficult for the Blaugrana, as their former Cameroonian striker Eto’o seems to be aware of Victor Valdes’ weaknesses in post.
Of course, the Italians could have a great time if ever they were to be in control in the early stages of their clash against the Kings of Europe; and indeed, with the help of new signings such as Sneijder, Diego Milito, and Samuel Eto’o, negativity will not really be permitted by Nerazzuri fans, as their front possesses all it takes to produce goals against Barcelona.
Barcelona to dominate at the San Siro?
Subsequent to the victory they had in Monaco on August 28 against Shakhtar Donetsk, Barcelona were able to clinch their second trophy this season, out of six possible.
With four more titles to steal, the Catalans still have a pretty long way to go; however, they could make history again at the end of this season if ever they remained focused in every game, just as last season.
At the moment, Barcelona’s have their sight set are set on their next big clash against the Internazionale di Milano, and without doubt, anything negative could happen. Cautiousness, self-confidence, and unity will therefore be the major qualities that could lead them to victory again comes September 16 in Italy.
Probably, most people will expect Lionel Messi to be Barcelona’s leading man in attack, but his manager Pep might have other plans in mind, so as to make everything look right ahead of the encounter.
Recent reports have declared that Argentina’s poor run in the South American World Cup early this month has had a huge impact on Messi, and the player’s fitness and mentality is now among his club coach’s main concern.
It is still uncertain if the 22-year old number 10 ace will have a place in Barcelona’s starting line-up against Inter Milan, but whatever the case may be, his exclusion will not necessarily reduce his team’s relentlessness in front of goal.
Imaginably, fans will have their eyes turned to other players such as UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year Xavi Hernandez, nominee Andres Iniesta, French international Thierry Henry, and mostly on Inter Milan’s former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who was successfully transferred to the Camp Nou this summer.
The Swedish international and Cameroon’s number 9 were both involved in a swap by the Barcelona and the Italian giants; nevertheless, it is undeniable that Samuel Eto’o seems to be in better shape at his new club than Ibra is.
Zlatan will eventually be compelled to impress at the San Siro next Wednesday, as every single move he makes will be thoroughly analysed by the away crowd.
Perhaps, Ibra could use this game to really show his love for his new club, but no matter how his form gets in Italy, it will be up to manager Pep Guardiola to deal with his players so as to get all three points and remain confident throughout the competition.
