Champions League 2026-27 guide: Inter Milan, the consummate supporting act seeking the lead | OneFootball

Beaten finalists in 2023 and 2025, Serie A champions Inter begin 2026-27 still chasing a European breakthrough. Recent campaigns range from early exits in 2022 and 2024 to a 2026 play-off exit and two finals.

According to L'Équipe, Inter remain Italy’s best bet to match Europe’s elite. Stunned by Bodö/Glimt in last season’s play-offs, 1-3 and 1-2, they quickly reset to win the league. Cristian Chivu’s first year was a success.

Denzel Dumfries left for Real Madrid for 20 M€ via a clause, replaced by Djed Spence from Tottenham for 30 M€. John Stones joined from Manchester City on a free and Curtis Jones from Liverpool for 30 M€, bolstering rotation. One question lingers in goal, where 28-year-old Josep Martinez succeeds Yann Sommer after two years as his understudy.

Lautaro Martinez has 175 Inter goals in eight years and was last Serie A’s top scorer with 17. He continued as Argentina’s impact option at the World Cup, scoring against Switzerland, 3-1 after extra time, and England, 2-1.

His pairing with Marcus Thuram is central, while he adapts alongside Ange-Yoan Bonny, 22, and Pio Esposito, 21. The Champions League is the captain’s missing major trophy. Fixtures: at Real Madrid on eight September, 21:00, then hosting Club Bruges on 13 October and Chaktar Donetsk on 21 October, both 21:00.

Source: L'Équipe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”