Boban blasts Inter after Champions League exit: “Too slow, too unsure”

Inter Milan are facing fierce criticism after their shock elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Bodø/Glimt.

The Italian side suffered a 2-1 defeat at home in the second leg of their play-off tie, sealing a painful European exit for last season’s finalists. The Norwegian club advanced to the round of 16 with a 5-2 aggregate victory, completing one of the competition’s biggest surprises.

Boban’s blunt assessment

Former Croatia international Zvonimir Boban delivered the sharpest analysis in Italian media, openly questioning Inter’s tempo and decision-making.

“They are too slow and too tactical, too unsure in their passing. For example, how many times does Zieliński have to touch the ball before passing it? If you are a playmaker for one-two combinations, it has to be faster,” Boban said.

According to Boban, Inter’s problems were not only technical but structural. He argued that the team lack urgency in ball circulation and decisiveness in front of goal — qualities essential at the highest European level.

Wider concerns

Former coach Fabio Capello also weighed in, pointing to a broader issue among Italian clubs: insufficient aggression and a tempo that struggles to match continental opponents.

Inter’s elimination has reignited debate about Serie A’s competitiveness in Europe. Having reached the final last season, expectations were high, but the defeat to Bodø/Glimt has prompted uncomfortable questions about tactical rigidity and intensity.

For Inter, the focus now shifts back to domestic objectives. For Boban, the message was clear: at elite level, hesitation is punished.