✍️  Divyansh Kumar

🗓️ June 9, 2023

 

Champions League Showdown: Will Man City take their first UCL Trophy or Will Inter Bring it Back to Italy?

 

This is the day football fans were waiting for! The UEFA Champions League Final 2023. Man City against vs Inter Milan in Istanbul. After a long, tiring, and exciting season of football, it all comes down to this. Will Man City win their first UCL trophy and complete the treble this season, or will Inter stop them? Let us have a look at how both teams are doing!

 

On the 18th anniversary of Liverpool’s unforgettable triumph in Istanbul, Manchester City, who are on a quest for a historic treble, will attempt to replicate their Merseyside counterparts’ achievements in the same city. The stage is set for an epic showdown as they go head-to-head with Inter Milan in the highly anticipated final of the 2022-23 Champions League on Saturday night.

These two giants of European football will meet for the first time in a competitive match at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium. Each carrying a different story of success in their respective domestic leagues. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have added two more trophies to their collection in English football. Further cementing their dominance, while Inter Milan’s pursuit of the Serie A title was relatively short-lived and fell short.

 

Will Inter be able to stop Haaland?

For Inter Milan’s defenders and manager Simone Inazghi, it will certainly be a challenge how to stop the goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland. He has scored 52 goals this season including 12 in the champions league.

The responsibility of containing Haaland will primarily rest on the shoulders of Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi. Setting the stage for a captivating battle not only between two physically imposing players but also between different generations. The 22-year-old Haaland will face off against the seasoned 35-year-old Acerbi. This adding an extra layer of intrigue to their encounter.

 

 

To find inspiration on how to handle Haaland, Inter can turn to the first leg of Manchester City’s semi-final against Real Madrid. Where Antonio Rudiger effectively subdued the Norwegian striker. Rudiger’s partner, David Alaba, also stepped up admirably to cover whenever necessary.

A collective effort from the entire team will likely be required to keep Haaland in check and limit his impact on the game.

 

The Midfield Battle: De Bruyne Vs Brozovic

While Ilkay Gundogan has received praise for his late-season goal-scoring exploits, it is Kevin De Bruyne, with 10 goals and an astonishing 31 assists, who Manchester City will rely on to unlock Inter Milan’s defence.

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has shifted his tactics, abandoning the failed high-press approach for a more compact setup that focuses on counter-attacks.

The success of this approach will hinge on Inter’s midfield linchpin, Marcelo Brozovic, who must neutralize De Bruyne’s influence and help progress the ball past City’s pressing. It will be Inter’s sternest test yet as they aim to contain the midfield maestro in this highly anticipated clash.

 

Will Inter’s Attacking work?

As the favourites heading into the final, Manchester City has dominated possession with over 60% in the Champions League this season. This possession-based style may align well with Inter Milan’s preference for lethal counter-attacks in Serie A.

Inter’s striking duo of Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez has formed a productive partnership, with Martinez leading the team as their top scorer with 28 goals this season. He will be eager to complement his recent World Cup victory with a Champions League medal.

 

 

While containing Dzeko requires significant attention, Martinez, when deployed as a second striker, presents a trickier challenge. Manchester City’s John Stones has excelled in his new defensive midfield role, but Martinez’s agility and clever movement will make it difficult for him. Additionally, Inter’s Nicolo Barella’s late runs from midfield add another layer of complexity for Manchester City’s defence to handle.

 

Predictions for Man City vs Inter Milan?

As the Champions League final approaches, all signs point to a captivating clash between Manchester City and Inter Milan. We predict it will be City winning 3-2.

Inter’s counter-attacks have proven devastating throughout the season, and their recent goal-scoring prowess only adds to their chances of breaching Manchester City’s well-drilled defence. However, taming Guardiola’s potent frontmen will pose a significant challenge for the Italian side.

While Inter has previously showcased defensive solidity in European competitions, Manchester City possesses the attacking prowess needed to propel themselves to European stardom. The chance to join their cross-town rivals, Manchester United, in the exclusive club of treble winners awaits, adding an extra layer of motivation for Guardiola’s charges.

In Istanbul, fans can expect a thrilling encounter where both teams will leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of European glory.

 

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