May 4 1965, Inter trudge off the Anfield pitch with furrowed brows. Even though Sandro Mazzola had equalised after ten minutes, Liverpool had dismantled them 3-1 in the semi-finals of the European Cup in front of 54 thousand fans. It looked like it was over, the dream of retaining the title gone. That was until eight days later when the ‘Reds’ visited San Siro and history would be made.
Helenio Herrera had made his point to the team and on an abnormally hot day in San Siro, Inter took to the field with gusto. Mario Corso scored a well-placed free-kick after only eight minutes and then it was time for Joaquim Piero to make himself famous. Barged off the ball by the Liverpool goalkeeper, he waited until the ball was about to be kicked, came up from behind and stole it in a flash, finishing quickly and leaving the English side with red faces. Finally, it was left to the legendary Giacinto Facchetti to do the rest and win the game with 20 minutes still to go. Inter would go on to win the competition, retaining the trophy as Jair’s goal beat Benfica at the final that was held in Milan.
Memories are one thing and reality is another and the Milanese will be aware that this Liverpool side pose considerable threats. Even so, Inter will need to be confident about the tie if they are serious about going deep into the competition. Inzaghi has built on the work of Conte and they are certainly a more cultured side now. But they have not abandoned old habits. The ability to press is still there and the work rate of the players is still as intense as when the old ‘mister’ was still in place. What they have improved is when they have possession. This may be key when facing the English club.
Liverpool will certainly match the Nerazzurri for intensity and endeavour and they are arguably much more dangerous on the counter than the Milanese. Inzaghi has got the ability to keep possession more and the key to the game may well be to take the pace out of it. With Alessandro Bastoni, Milan Skriniar and Stefan De Vrij, they certainly have the defence to cope with what is thrown at them, although the missing Nicolo Barella will be a huge blow for – at least – the first leg.
This potentially may see Inzaghi look to contain the team from Merseyside at home in the opening February fixture, although that may be a risky tactic. It is certainly a game where his tactical acumen will be tested as will his squad rotation, given that Inter face Milan and Napoli in the build-up to the first leg at San Siro.