Cassano criticizes Inter performance in 3-3 Barcelona draw: ‘Can’t afford to play like this’

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Players of FC Internazionale pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Former Inter and Italy forward Antonio Cassano believes that Inter ‘can’t afford’ to play in the way they did during their 3-3 draw in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Wednesday night, and claims that Hansi Flick’s side ‘outclassed’ the Nerazzurri in every aspect. 

Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries were on target for Inter, but they were pegged back by Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and a Yann Sommer own goal forced by Raphinha In what Cassano described as the most beautiful game in the entire Champions League. 

Despite scoring three goals away from home against one of the strongest teams in the world, Cassano believes that Inter ‘can’t afford’ to play in the way they did against Barca on Wednesday night. 

He believes the Catalans were better in terms of quality, ideas and pace throughout the game, while also calling out Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella for their performances on the night. 

“What a game: Magnificent, wonderful. Given the importance of the match, it was the most beautiful from the entire Champions League. A real, intense, high-level challenge,” Cassano said on his Viva El Futbol podcast, via fcinternews.it.

Cassano calls out Bastoni and Barella for Barcelona 3-3 Inter performance

Cassano went on to explain why he was in awe at Barcelona’s performance, and why he was disappointed in what he saw from Simone Inzaghi’s side. 

“When I say that Barca are unique, and will never be seen again, it is because they manage to never let their opponents see the ball. They are extraordinary in their dribbling, in controlling the game. Inter had to restart three times in the match. 

“A strong team like Inter can’t afford to play like this. It was a serious match, but extra-defensive. They’re the strongest team in Italy, but they can’t present themselves by playing like that in Europe. 

“I was disappointed with the quality. Inter’s midfield is strong, but they were outclassed by Barcelona in terms of ideas, quality, pace. 

“Some of the praise should be reevaluated. Bastoni and Barella are excellent players, but we saw their limitations yesterday.”