Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi feels José Mourinho wouldn’t have subbed Rasmus Hojlund off, as Massimiliano Allegri did in opposition to Inter final weekend, however Federico Dimarco’s absence can be ‘vital’ on the Bernabéu tonight.
Inter and Mourinho , on the identical venue the place the Particular One lifted the Champions League because the Nerazzurri coach in 2010.
Materazzi constructed a robust bond with Mourinho through the Portuguese’s two-year spell at San Siro and just lately met the Particular One in Italy: “José took a aircraft particularly to report that footage, and he advised me once more: ‘You and John Terry, crucial centre-backs of my profession’,” Materazzi advised .
The previous Italy defender, a 2006 Italy World Cup winner, is definitely not stunned that Actual Madrid employed Mou final summer season.
“No, as a result of I do know the connection he has with Florentino, how a lot he trusts José,” he stated.
“A lot in order that he’s given him the keys to Actual once more, and José will do what he at all times does: take all of the accountability, turn into the one true level of reference.
“The wonderful thing about José is that anybody who performs for him feels ‘considered one of him’, they’d die for him on the pitch. The unhealthy factor is that he’s missed when he leaves…”
Actual Madrid misplaced their most up-to-date La Liga sport, whereas Inter beat Napoli 3-2 at San Siro, recovering from two targets down.
“Inter would have felt sturdy even when that they had misplaced: particularly within the first half, they performed an ideal match. And also you see a robust staff after they go 2-0 down: zero panic, no nervousness,” famous Materazzi.
“Only a captain, Lautaro, who raised the extent of consideration, which implies drawing a foul or getting justifiably indignant with the referee, choosing up a yellow card regardless that he hadn’t stated something. I used to be a number of meters away.
“Referees, fortunately, are letting lots play on: they will’t get sensitive simply because somebody stamps their ft in anger.”
Materazzi believes Mourinho would have by no means changed Hojlund within the second half, as Napoli coach Allegri did.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Massimiliano Allegri, Supervisor of Napoli, gestures through the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
“Definitely, to keep away from being pushed again, he wouldn’t have taken off Hojlund, who single-handedly retains the entire staff excessive up the pitch and chases each ball, to carry on – no offence to Lucca – somebody much less efficient than him.”
Chivu, on the opposite, obtained the substitutions proper and in the end gained the sport because of targets from Lautaro Martinez (two) and Marcus Thuram.
“Cristian is so clever that I’ve by no means heard him give a foul interview, even when generally folks strive to attract him into controversy, just like the one about Juve, Milan, and direct clashes: he’s not silly sufficient to say their worth is inferior to Inter’s,” Materazzi stated.
Ex-Liverpool man Jones was among the many gamers launched within the second half and Materazzi was delighted by his influence.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Curtis Jones of Internazionale gestures through the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Claudio Villa/Getty Photographs)
“He did very effectively. He doesn’t have the physique of a McTominay, however he throws himself at each ball, and he’s clever; he beats his man: you may inform he’s performed for an enormous membership,” Materazzi stated.
Materazzi has clear concepts concerning the essential space of the pitch for tonight’s sport in Madrid, however will not be 100% positive that ex-Inter defender Denzel Dumfries will begin.
“In midfield, though it is dependent upon how they arrange: in case you play with three and so they solely with two, they may run into difficulties,” he stated.
“I’m not so positive Dumfries will play: for my part, José is a little more cautious.”
Dimarco gained’t be accessible for the Nerazzurri on account of a.
“A major absence,” Materazzi admitted.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale celebrates his purpose through the match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Picture by James Worsfold/Getty Photographs)
“Did you see Saturday? Past the free-kick that hit the crossbar, he reopened the match: few, with a foul knee, would have completed an motion like that on the far put up, with the readability to place it again throughout. Now he virtually prefers to supply an help quite than rating a purpose.”
Lastly, the previous defender stated Inter won’t have to decide on between Serie A and Champions League this season as they’ve sufficient depth to go throughout in each competitions: “The rationale lies in three names: Stones, Spence, and Jones. The three Englishmen could make the distinction for this mission.”
