In a tense rematch of the 2023 Champions League final, Inter Milan secured a valuable point against reigning English champions Manchester City with a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium. The result marks a positive start to Inter’s European campaign, despite squandering several clear-cut opportunities to claim victory.
The match, which pitted the champions of England and Italy against each other, saw both sides field strong lineups despite some notable absences. Inter were without Federico Dimarco, Marko Arnautovic, and Tajon Buchanan, while Lautaro Martinez was not fully fit. Manchester City, sporting a new kit designed by Oasis star Noel Gallagher, were missing Nathan Aké and Oscar Bobb but otherwise fielded a near full-strength side.
Inter’s defence, led by Alessandro Bastoni, successfully contained City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland throughout the match. The Italian side created several promising chances, with Nicolò Barella and Marcus Thuram coming close in the first half. However, it was Matteo Darmian who had the game’s best opportunity, failing to capitalize on a clear run on goal early in the second half.
As the match progressed, both teams made tactical substitutions in search of a breakthrough. Inter introduced Lautaro Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while City brought on Phil Foden at halftime to replace an injured Kevin De Bruyne. Despite these changes, neither side could find the decisive goal.
The final moments of the match saw both teams come agonizingly close to snatching a win. Mkhitaryan fired over from close range for Inter, while Ilkay Gundogan’s last-minute header for City went straight at Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Manchester City (4-3-3): Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Ruben Dias, Gvardiol; Bernardo Silva (dall’80’ Doku), Rodri, De Bruyne (dal 46′ Gundogan); Savinho (dal 46′ Foden), Haaland, Grealish.
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck (dal 75′ Pavard), Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian (dal 75′ Dumfries), Barella, Calhanoglu (dall’82’ Frattesi), Zielinski (dal 66′ Mkhitaryan), Carlos Augusto; Taremi, Thuram (dal 66′ Lautaro Martinez).
