Celtic vs Inter Review

It’s that time of year again and the upcoming season is fast approaching, the mercato is heating up and the team is starting to shape up ahead of the upcoming season. This year I was lucky enough for Inter to come to my home city of Glasgow for a friendly against Celtic to commemorate their 125th anniversary as a football club.

I was sitting in the away end just to the left of the goals with around 25 other Inter fans (more than I thought). Strama made five changes to the starting line up which faced Como midweek and again used the 4-2-3-1 with Handanovic, Silvestre at right back, Chivu and Ranocchia at centre back, il capitano at left back. The two holding midfielders were Guarin and Cambiasso. Then the three behind the striker were Sneijder directly behind Milito as striker and Jonathan on the right with Coutinho on the left of the three.

Before kick off, some of the ’67 European cup winning team of Celtic came out, as of course it was Inter they beat in the final with a team of players all born in Glasgow, a simply incredible and unrivaled achievement. Also, there was a minute’s applause for the late Joe McBride who was a part of that European cup winning team. The game eventually got under way and Celtic started the much better team (a theme which continued throughout the whole game) Celtic carved the first real chance of the game on the 4th minute with Mulgrew heading just wide from a corner. They again came close on the 16th minute with a powerfully struck volley from Anthony Stokes which Handanovic saved smartly at his near post. Celtic looked the sharper team and continued to push while Inter’s first chance came on the 35th minute but Coutinho put the ball into row z. Just five minutes before half time, Celtic got a free kick about thirty yards out. However, Inter were caught unaware and Mulgrew played the ball to Commons who was free on the right hand side of the box. Commons took the ball down beautifully on his chest and hit a looping volley out of the reach of Handanovic and into the far right corner.

At half time, Inter took off Jonathan who was very disappointing and doesn’t seem to be making the grade for next season, and replaced him with Naga. The pattern of the first half continued and Strama again opted to change things just five minutes after the break, this time bringing on Palacio and Mudingayi for Silvestre and Coutinho. Inter seemed to look a bit more threatening with Palacio on the pitch and he seemed to get more out of ‘il principe’. On the 61st minute, Inter put a nice sequence of passing together and came close only for the shot to go out for a corner. Since the introduction of Palacio, Inter looked better and it seemed they were starting to control the game more. Sadly however, Celtic regained control of the game and continued to press for another goal forcing numerous set pieces and saves out of Handanovic. Inter started to go forward more and press for a goal in the last ten minutes of the game. Chivu came close with a well struck left footed shot from distance which was well saved by Forster. Milito then came close on the 89th minute but again it was well saved by Forster. However, the ball fell to Livaja who drove the ball across the box for Palacio to tap in from just yards for a very undeserved equalizer. After a few minutes of added time, the ref blew for full-time and honours were even.

Overall, the nerazzurri were very disappointing and didn’t deserve a draw. Celtic controlled the game and looked much sharper and looked the hungrier team also. Inter looked as if they were playing at half pace for most of the game until the last ten minutes. This team still needs a few more signings; maybe a right back or left back, also a winger who can give us good width and stretch the play; someone like Krasic. Also a back up striker for Milito and a ball playing midfielder who can pass the ball, with Sahin being a good option. The back four needs a lot of work on the shape of it and working together and being a solid unit. If we play anywhere near what we did against Celtic in the league, we will be in for another tough season but is still plenty of time for improvement.

After the game I waited for about forty minutes for the player’s to come out and a chance to meet my heroes. I was only to be disappointed, sadly, as most of the players ignored the fans and walked straight on to the bus. I did manage to meet Ranocchia, Sneijder and Cambiasso however which was a bonus and got my top and ticket signed. It was overall a good chance to again see the team live but disappointing experience as I didn’t get to meet most of the team. A lot of work is still needed a head of the new season but I am sure we will get back to the pinnacle of Italian football again.