Sagna: ‘Inter one of the best in UCL; Bonny unlikely to be at World Cup’ | OneFootball

Bacary Sagna believes Inter remain one of the most complete teams in Europe and warned that writing them off after a group-stage setback would be a mistake.

The former Arsenal defender highlighted the Nerazzurri’s tactical maturity and continuity as major strengths in the Champions League.

“Inter remain a strong team. I think, tactically, they’re probably one of the best in the Champions League. They’ve been performing really well,” he said, speaking on the Italian Football Podcast, pointing to the stability within the squad and the experience gained from recent deep European runs.

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 23: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Sagna also referenced last season’s heartbreak in the final as fuel rather than a burden. “It was a massive blow for them… but they know what it takes and what is the road to follow to reach the top,” he explained.

Sagna talks Inter in the Champions League

In his view, the defeat to Arsenal in the group stage should not be over-analysed.

“It’s a marathon… When they will play direct matches in the knockouts, this is when it will really matter.” For now, qualification is the priority, with the real test coming later.

Turning to Ange-Yoan Bonny’s international hopes, Sagna was more cautious. While praising the striker’s progress, he stressed how difficult it is to break into Didier Deschamps’ established France squad.

“You already had a group of players that are performing, and who know each other… I’m not sure he will fit so easily into the squad.”

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 20: Petar Sucic of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on January 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Chemistry and experience, he argued, often outweigh short-term form. “It requires much more than having a good six months… Because then the pressure is different.”

Sagna concluded that international football brings tactical and psychological challenges that don’t always mirror club form, especially with France’s settled core.