Inter Keep the Door Shut, Milan Leave Theirs Ajar
A clean sheet at home and a two-goal lead surrendered abroad: one Italian club looked like contenders in Europe this week, the other like a side still learning to close a game.
Who in Italy can defend a lead on a European night? Inter can, and did. A 2-0 win over Olympique Lyonnais was built the way I like it: the back line compact, the midfield screen disciplined, the opponent's possession tolerated but never trusted. Tony Roberts returned to San Siro with his old habits and found the door bolted. Inter's supporters will have enjoyed that most of all.
Milan will not enjoy their evening. Two goals to the good at Fussballclub RB Salzburg, they finished with a 2-2 draw, and that is the sort of carelessness that costs a group. Diego Suárez and Ángel Calavera know both dressing rooms; they also know that control is a habit, not a mood. Milan meet Athletico Madrid next, and they should arrive with their house in order.