Inter Milan can launch their candidacy to reach the Champions League final and win the Scudetto by beating Napoli and securing a result against Real Madrid, according to former midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who insists only one current player could have made his legendary 2010 Treble-winning squad.
Sneijder Outlines High-Stakes Tests Against Napoli and Real Madrid
Former Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder believes upcoming fixtures against Napoli in Serie A and Real Madrid in the Champions League offer his old club a major platform to prove their elite status. Speaking at a sponsorship event, Sneijder pointed to the San Siro clash with Napoli as essential preparation for European competition, where squad focus must remain absolute.
“Facing Napoli allows you to prepare better for the Champions League, as the players know they must be at 100 per cent,” Sneijder told reporters. He added that victories across both matches would firmly establish the Nerazzurri as genuine contenders on multiple fronts this season.
Did you know? Wesley Sneijder was a central figure in Inter Milan’s historic 2010 Treble-winning campaign under manager José Mourinho, capturing Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League in the same calendar year.
Comparing the 2010 Treble Side with the Modern Inter Squad
Inter captured the domestic double last season by securing both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia. Despite recent domestic success, Sneijder dismissed comparisons between the current roster and the historic 2010 group, emphasizing the unique quality of his former teammates.
“The current squad is nothing like the Treble team, we truly had everything then, it is not a group that can be repeated,” Sneijder said. When assessing whether any modern players possess the pedigree of the 2010 side, the Dutchman noted that striker Lautaro Martinez is the only member who “might” have made the cut.
Cristian Chivu’s Transition from Roommate to Head Coach
The current Inter squad is guided from the touchline by Cristian Chivu, who shared a dressing room and a hotel room with Sneijder during their playing days under José Mourinho. Sneijder recalled that Chivu displayed managerial traits even during his early twenties.
“He arrived at Ajax at age 20 and straight away became captain, while at Inter we shared a room and he only ever talked about football, he was quite dull,” Sneijder explained. “I always knew he’d become a great coach, even then he was saying that he wanted this to be his profession.”
Dumfries Reunion at the Bernabéu Following Real Madrid Transfer
Inter’s upcoming Champions League trip to the Santiago Bernabéu will also feature a reunion with Denzel Dumfries. The defender transferred from Inter to Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.
“When Real Madrid call, you go. Now he has to do better than he did at Inter, because Real Madrid is a bigger club,” Sneijder noted regarding the high-pressure environment in the Spanish capital. He added that the player’s development at San Siro laid the groundwork for his eventual move to La Liga.
Frequently Asked Questions
What matches did Wesley Sneijder highlight for Inter Milan?
Sneijder pointed to upcoming tests against Napoli in Serie A at San Siro and José Mourinho’s Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Which modern Inter player does Sneijder believe could have played in the 2010 team?
Sneijder stated that Lautaro Martinez is the only current player who “might” have made the squad from the 2010 Treble-winning team.
Who is the current head coach of Inter Milan mentioned by Sneijder?
Cristian Chivu, Sneijder’s former teammate and roommate at Inter, serves as the current Nerazzurri coach.
Which former Inter player recently transferred to Real Madrid?
Denzel Dumfries made the move from Inter Milan to Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.
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