Arctic Annihilation: Bodo/Glimt Humiliate Inter 3-1 While Milan Limp to Como Stalemate
Inter suffered a 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League play-off first leg despite Chivu's warnings about the tough conditions and opponents. Milan were held 1-1 by Como in Serie A, with Leao's stunner undone by Maignan's error and touchline drama involving Allegri. Inter extend their Serie A lead to seven points amid a mixed night for Italian sides.
Inter's Frozen Fiasco and Milan's Meandering Milan Derby
Picture this: you're Cristian Chivu, Inter's gaffer, hyping up your lads for a Champions League play-off in the icy wilderness of Norway. You've warned them not to moan about the fake grass or the sub-zero temps, and to respect Bodo/Glimt's homebrewed havoc. Then, bam – your team's on the end of a 3-1 stuffing. Ouch.
Chivu's No-Nonsense Pep Talk
Ahead of the first leg at Aspmyra Stadion, Chivu was all business in his chat with Prime Video, as covered by Susy Campanale at Football Italia. "No alibis, no excuses," he barked about the artificial pitch and freezing conditions. "We've got to be mentally and physically primed."
He didn't stop there, tipping his hat to the Norwegians' pedigree. "They've proven it with results – that intensity on their turf is no joke," Chivu added. And with two legs to play, maturity was the mantra: secure the win, but don't get cocky. Wise words, boss. If only the pitch had listened.
Bodo/Glimt's Home Fortress Holds Firm
Kick-off at 21:00 CET, and it was the hosts who turned the screw. Jens Petter Hauge netted the second, celebrating like he'd just won the lottery, per pics from Martin Ole Wold/Getty. Inter huffed and puffed late on – Carlos Augusto denied by a Bjorkan block at 86', Marcus Thuram sky-high from a Mkhitaryan free-kick.
Subs flew in: Diouf for Barella at 91', Bonny, Zielinski and Luis Henrique replacing Esposito, Mkhitaryan and Darmian. But Blomberg's booking and Helmerson's smothered shot summed it up – Inter leaky at the back. Sommer kept it respectable with a smart save, but FT: Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Inter. Another Italian scalp for the Arctic warriors, who once humbled Man City here. Chivu's lads now need a San Siro miracle.
As Sam Wilson noted from Football Italia's liveblog, it's a rotten night in Europe for the Azzurri hopefuls. Inter top Serie A by seven points, mind – small mercies.
Milan's Touchline Tantrum and Leao Magic
Meanwhile, back in sunnier climes, rescheduled Serie A drama: Milan 1-1 Como at the Meazza. Rafael Leao's audacious lob had the Rossoneri dreaming, only for Mike Maignan's clanger to gift Nico Paz an equaliser. Proper keeper's blooper, that.
The second half was bonkers. Max Allegri – yes, him, touchline-bound somehow – got his marching orders after a near-headbutt with Como staff. Saelemaekers tangled with Baturina, Fabregas playing peacemaker amid the chaos. Pulisic subbed on for Leao, but Douvikas and Jesus Rodriguez spurned chances.
Como swarmed: Alex Valle drilled wide, Vojvoda off for Smolcic. Five added minutes, but no winner. Milan drop points in the Scudetto scrap, failing to reel in city foes Inter. FT: 1-1. As per the OneFootball crew, it's a point gained or two dropped?
What a Whippersnapper of a Night
Italian football served up extremes: Bodo's brilliance exposed Inter's frailties, while Milan's muddle kept the title race spicy. Chivu's right – two legs, so hope flickers. But up in Norway, Glimt's green machine looks primed for the group stage. Grab a hot toddy, lads; this European jaunt's just warming up. Follow the second legs and Serie A shenanigans on the liveblogs – pure chaos ahead.
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