Wesley Sneijder underlined why ‘no-one will ever be happy’ to face Inter ahead of their Champions League opener against Real Sociedad.
The Nerazzurri surpassed expectations on the European stage last season when they flew to the Champions League final, where they fell in a tight 1-0 loss to Treble winners Manchester City.
Inter have started the new season in perfect fashion, culminating in a 5-1 Derby della Madonnina thrashing of Milan, and are now hungry to kickstart their European campaign with the same momentum.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sneijder first discussed Inter’s strong start to the 2023-24 season.
“I had no doubt, this is the team that put a giant like Manchester City in trouble and would have deserved to win the Champions League just a few months ago.
“That match more than something regretful must be a source of pride for everyone! And since that evening Inter have even more self-confidence, they know that thanks to their play they can beat any rival.
“In the derby there wasn’t even a match, a spectacle even seen on TV. Of course, the last time I sang in the curva and it was more fun!”
He touched on how the Nerazzurri have managed to maintain their strength from last season despite the changes in the summer.
“I’m not surprised because there was a solid structure, but the rest is thanks to a very good and prepared coach like Simone Inzaghi.
“It’s true that players who have made the history of the club have left, but the club have chosen carefully. They’ve found a nice balance of old and young.”
The Dutchman gave his thoughts on striker Marcus Thuram.
“He has great talent like his father, but in a different role. And then it was already clear that a boy capable of playing a World Cup final with that personality would be ready to be at Inter as a protagonist, without fear.
“I saw that in the derby he shot a missile into the crossbar, certain shots only great players have. And with this Lautaro next to him, with a team playing so well around him, he can only grow.”
Sneijder weighed in on the qualities of Inter’s midfield.
“They have a lot of variety, it’s true. They have players of great technique and intelligence like Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan, but also the dynamism of Barella. Then Frattesi is coming in, another big hit. How much energy did he enter the derby with? On the goal he went in like an arrow.
“I know he had also scored a brace with Italy earlier. Asllani is also growing well and has great prospects. And don’t forget Klaassen, who was always decisive at Ajax and in our national team. By the way, I like that Inter have added another Dutchman, the more the merrier.”
He also spoke about the work of the other Dutchmen in the Nerazzurri squad.
“Denzel is exploding, and the merit is really due to these Italian years, he is now a complete full back, a danger for opposing defences and a security when he climbs in the back.
“Just look at how many assists he just made with the Netherlands and how he dominated the wing against Milan.
“We never had any doubts about De Vrij, he has renewed his contract and Inzaghi, who knows him well, knows he can always count on his soldier.”
He gave his thoughts on Inter’s Champions League group this season.
“The mistake they must not make, and I’m sure they won’t, is to underestimate their opponents. Last year the team was motivated by playing in a very difficult group, this year they have a softer one only in appearance because the Champions League is always very difficult.
“I know this from experience, there is no pitch in which you win by relaxing.”
Finally, Sneijder was asked if Inter could repeat their Champions League run this season.
“Why not? No one will ever be happy to face this team…. Also, because on big nights Inzaghi gets really excited. One thing has always been clear to me, and that’s what matters most, nobody thinks last year’s result was a fluke.
“It’s not like that, it’s the result of everyone’s work. Going that far in the Champions League is always complicated because there are so many unpredictable variables, but if you reach the final anything can happen.
“At that point certain details count and also a bit of luck. In Istanbul we saw it, the difference between victory and defeat can be very subtle.”