Inter Milan 2010 vs 2025: Who wins?

Something about Inter Milan brings out a certain magic every decade or so. In 2009-10, José Mourinho’s Inter conquered Europe with a historic treble, the stuff legends are made of. Fast forward to 2024-25, and Simone Inzaghi has molded another fierce Nerazzurri side that’s one game away from lifting the Champions League trophy again. 

But who would come out on top if these two squads were to face off? Let’s break it down, from tactics to individual brilliance, and of course, legacy.

Two Strikers, One Philosophy

Here’s the crazy part. Even though 15 years separate these two teams, they both share a foundational attacking idea: two up top. In Mourinho’s setup, you had Diego Milito and Samuel Eto’o as the front two. Milito was the classic finisher, fox in the box, ice in his veins, while Eto’o, a world-class striker in his own right. He sacrificed his usual role to work his socks off down the flank. 

He tracked back, tackled, pressed, and the man did everything. That’s not just talent. That’s mentality. He won two trebles in two years, one with Inter and one with Barcelona, before he made the transfer. Truly a remarkable achievement. 

Look at the 2024-25 duo: Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. Martinez has stepped up massively over the past few seasons. He’s not just Inter’s leader. He’s their engine and their talisman. The guy scores, assists, presses, and sets the tempo. On the other hand, Thuram might not have the same aura as Eto’o, but his power, pace, and link-up play have added a fresh dynamic to Inzaghi’s team. Both duos work, and both fit Inter’s DNA perfectly. But Milito and Eto’o? That was something special. You could feel the big-game energy oozing off them.

Milito & Eto’o vs Lautaro & Thuram

Let’s talk output. Milito scored in every final that season. A Coppa Italia, Serie A decider and the Champions League. That’s what you call clutch. He finished with 30 goals and probably slept with that treble medal on his chest.

Eto’o didn’t hit the same numbers but sacrificed himself for the team like few star forwards would. And that defensive work rate from a former Ballon d’Or finalist? You just don’t see that every day. On the flip side, Lautaro has been electric. He was Serie A’s top scorer last season, and a Champions League hero in this one. 

He’s matured into a real leader, with Thuram playing the perfect foil. Their chemistry is growing, and they’ve delivered on the biggest stages, even when they don’t score; those two are just a constant threat. Still, when the lights are bright, you’d probably back Milito and Eto’o to steal the show.

The Sneijder Factor

Here’s where the 2009-10 team starts to pull away. Wesley Sneijder wasn’t just Inter’s playmaker. He was one of the best midfielders on the planet that year, if not the best. His ability to thread the needle, control tempo, and unlock defenses was borderline unfair. He should’ve won the Ballon d’Or. That he didn’t is still one of football’s most significant snubs.

Compare that to Inter today. Nico Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu have done a great job as the creative heartbeat in midfield. They are great on the ball, dangerous from set pieces, and smart in possession. Barella has undoubtedly been one of the best midfielders in the world for the past three to four years, but the Dutchman was just in a class of his own. Very few could match his quality.

One Team Made History, the Other Is Still Writing It

This might be the biggest divider of them all. Mourinho’s Inter did it. They didn’t just challenge for trophies, they won them. Serie A, Coppa Italia, Champions League, all in the same season. That treble is the holy grail of club football, and Inter 2009-10 are the only Italian side ever to achieve it. They are in the history books forever.

Now, Inzaghi’s boys are close, but not quite there yet. Despite being so close in the 22-23 season, winning the Coppa Italia and the league that year. They lost narrowly to Manchester City in the Champions League final, who were treble winners themselves that season. 

This year, they’re one point behind Napoli in the Serie A title race going into the final week, and they’ve already been knocked out of the Coppa Italia. That means it’s all riding on the Champions League final against PSG. One game. One shot. All or nothing. This European glory might outweigh their domestic double in the 23-24, but they have a big task. 

So… Who Wins?

Both teams have standout players if you’re going off raw quality and peak form. The current Inter side is faster and more modern in its attacking shape. Lautaro is a beast, and Thuram complements him brilliantly. Their midfield is deep, and the defense is rock solid.

But when it comes to legacy, mentality, and execution under pressure, Mourinho’s 2009-10 side has the edge. They beat Guardiola’s Barcelona in their prime, who won the Quadruple just last year, that season. They shut down Bayern in the final. They didn’t just compete. They conquered. And they did it with world-class stars who knew how to show up when it mattered most.

So who wins in a hypothetical face-off? It’s close, but Inter 2009-10 just has too much experience, grit, and end-product. Mourinho was undoubtedly the special one, and very few could match him. Inzaghi’s squad still has the chance to write their own story. But until they lift that Champions League trophy, and maybe more, they’ll remain in the shadow of the treble-winning giants.