Of the semi-finalists, Inter stand out stylistically. Playing in a structured 3-5-2 system, Simone Inzaghi’s team avoid pressing aggressively — just six of the 36 teams in this season’s Champions League have allowed more passes per defensive action (PPDA).
Instead, they are comfortable sitting deep, holding their shape, and favouring a slow, controlled build-up in possession. Only Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have progressed the ball at a slower direct speed than their 0.94 metres per second in this season’s Champions League.
So Inter are rarely caught out when they lose the ball. No side in the competition has conceded fewer expected goals per game than their 0.14 xG, and that transitional solidity could be key against counter-attack specialists Barcelona.
On the ball, Inter are highly fluid. Players rotate positions with ease, creating overloads that allow their wing-backs to deliver from wide areas into forwards Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, whose relationship continues to blossom.
Inter may be considered rank outsiders heading into the semi-finals, but Inzaghi’s disciplined, streetwise side are awkward opponents.
