Inter Milan Legend Defends Champions League Exit: ‘Nothing Like Napoli, Bodo/Glimt The Toughest Team Faced By Italians’ | OneFootball

Giuseppe Bergomi has mounted a passionate defence of Inter Milan following their UCL elimination, arguing that the Nerazzurri faced a uniquely difficult opponent and that comparisons with Napoli are wide of the mark.

The Inter legend spoke at length from the Sky Sport studio, pushing back hard against the wave of criticism directed at the club.

On the Napoli comparison, he was blunt, with quotes via FCInterNews.

“Is the Inter elimination comparable to Napoli’s? No, Napoli finished 30th. Inter had the toughest opponent of the three Italian sides in the playoffs.”

Bergomi Praises Bodo/Glimt & Defends Inter Milan UCL Exit: ‘Nothing Like Napoli’

MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Bergomi was keen to give Bodo/Glimt the credit he felt they deserved.

“I don’t just look at the name Bodo, I look at how they play, their organisation, how they ran, their physical and technical quality. They came into the tie on the back of important wins.”

He also addressed the question of whether Bodo were stronger than Borussia Dortmund, pointing out that Inter beat the Germans away from home while losing five Champions League games overall this season.

His defence of the players was rooted in context.

Eight matches in 24 days, the loss of Lautaro Martinez, and a demanding fixture schedule all featured in his assessment.

“In the last 24 days they played eight matches. The captain was missing. There were important absences. And then there was the opponent.”

Bergomi also identified a specific tactical problem that Bodo exploited.

“They forced Inter wide, but Inter never beat a man one-on-one. Dimarco crosses, he doesn’t dribble. That made it complicated.”

He acknowledged Inter’s frustration while accepting the result. “Inter were angry too. But Bodo were better.”