Antonio Conte’s Inter has been eliminated from all European competitions in a shocking twist that left them at the bottom of the Champions League’s Group B.
A disappointing goalless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk left the Italian team without any European action this season. Inter was fighting for a spot in the Champions League’s knockout stage in the last group stage match day. However, Real Madrid’s 2-0 against Borussia Monchengladbach caused a shocking twist. For the first time ever, the Milan-based team finished in the last place of the group.
Internazionale only needed one goal at San Siro to make it through in the Champions League. However, their lack of aim at the goal signed their European sentence altogether. Inter’s men had 20 shooting opportunities but only four threatened the goalkeeper. One of the match’s most frustrating moments for the Nerazzurri came in the 90th minute, as Alexis Sanchez’s header was stopped by teammate Romelu Lukaku.
“Evidently, Inter are not yet ready for the Champions League. The points speak clearly, we won only one game out of six, that’s not enough and we didn’t deserve to go through,” said goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.
Conte dismissed accusations of lack of determination.
“I don’t agree we lacked determination at all. My players gave their all tonight, so I absolutely do not agree,” said Conte at the post-match press conference.
Immediately after the match, several reactions surfaced criticizing Antonio Conte’s managerial approach. Some of the biggest complaints were Conte’s late substitutions and his refusal to bet on Christian Eriksen’s skillset.
“Conte should’ve made the changes earlier, specifically Alexis Sanchez and Eriksen. You have to take risks and he didn’t,” said Del Piero on Sky Sports Italia.
The Italian manager addressed the claims: “It was either Alexis or Eriksen for Gagliardini, but I preferred to add another striker and go for the win. When I saw Lautaro was out of steam, I introduced Eriksen.”
Additionally, fans have begun pleading Inter to sack Conte as the Nerazzurri’s European campaign suffered a humiliating end. Inter will now focus on Serie A, where they occupy second place only five points behind AC Milan.
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