Internazionale can rightfully call itself one of the best clubs in Europe. That's what the Italian media are saying after I Nerazzurri's Champions League win at Bayern Munich. Captain Lautaro Martínez and match-winner Davide Frattesi are also being praised in Milan.
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“Inter, incredible!” That’s the bold headline on the front page of La Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday morning. The extraordinary ending in Munich is the focal point of Italian euphoria.
Internazionale’s 1-2 away win at Bayern Munich is being hailed in Italy as a heroic achievement. “Fans will remember this emotional rollercoaster in Bavaria for a long time. The 1-2 victory was heroic. There's still a lot to be done at San Siro, but this team can rightfully call itself one of the best in Europe. Inter can truly pursue anything.”
The Italian press praised the determination, discipline and technical precision of Inter’s performance. Bayern Munich, undefeated at home in the Champions League since 2021, were seen as clear favourites, but Inter managed to impose their style and take control at key moments. The win is being framed as a symbol of Italian resurgence in European football, with the Nerazzurri now seen as genuine contenders for the title.
The pink newspaper then turned its spotlight onto Frattesi, who dedicated his emotional winning goal to his late grandmother. “He came on like a bolt of lightning from the bench. After Bayern’s equalizer, he became the undisputed hero in a chaotic finale.” His celebration, full of emotion, was widely shared across social media and highlighted in newspapers across Italy. His impact as a substitute was decisive and praised by multiple media outlets.
Frattesi’s timing and instinct were described as “impeccable” by Tuttosport, and his ability to read the game and find space in such a high-pressure situation was seen as a sign of maturity well beyond his years. The goal, which came just minutes before the final whistle, broke Bayern’s rhythm and silenced the home crowd. It also marked a turning point in Inter’s campaign, providing momentum ahead of the return leg in Milan.
Lautaro Martínez was also naturally singled out. The Inter captain received the highest rating of the match — an 8.5 from Corriere dello Sport. “A technical masterpiece. Everything always starts with him,” wrote the paper in reference to his opening goal. With that strike, Martínez became the first Inter player since Samuel Eto’o in the 2010/11 season to score seven or more goals in a single Champions League campaign.
Martínez’s performance was described as a perfect blend of leadership and skill. From the very first minutes, he set the tone with his pressing and movement. His goal came after a quick combination with Dimarco, followed by a precise finish past Neuer. His positioning and awareness were crucial throughout the match, and his influence extended well beyond the scoresheet.
Simone Inzaghi was also very pleased with what he saw from his Inter side after the match. "We played like a clinical, technical team against a very strong Bayern Munich. We'll need to repeat that performance at San Siro. Everyone knows the stats: Bayern hadn't lost a home match in the Champions League since 2021," the coach said at the press conference.
Inzaghi also praised the collective effort of the squad. He highlighted the discipline of the backline, the transitions through midfield, and the decisive interventions of Onana in goal. The substitutions, especially Frattesi and Carlos Augusto, were described as well-timed and effective. The coach stressed that Inter must remain focused for the second leg and not underestimate Bayern’s capacity to respond.
Italian media also pointed out Inter’s tactical discipline, with Asllani and Çalhanoğlu controlling the rhythm in midfield and Dumfries playing a crucial role in containing Bayern’s wide threats. Bastoni and Acerbi were commended for their composure under pressure, especially in the final moments when Bayern threw everything forward.
The result not only puts Inter in a strong position to advance to the next round but also strengthens their image across Europe. Clubs, pundits, and fans from other nations have taken note of Inter’s blend of experience, physicality, and tactical maturity. The press in Spain and England also reacted to the result, calling it “a statement win” and praising the composure of Inzaghi’s side.
With the return leg set for San Siro, anticipation is building. Tickets sold out within hours, and the club expects a record attendance. The players returned to Milan to a hero’s welcome at the airport, with hundreds of fans awaiting them despite the late hour. Inter’s journey in the Champions League continues with belief, hunger, and a renewed sense of purpose.
