Historic Humiliation for Inter Milan: Bodo/Glimt Advances to Champions League Round of 16

Inter Milan is experiencing one of its darkest nights in its modern European cup history. The team, which just a year ago fought in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, has been eliminated by the Norwegian team Bodo/Glimt. After a painful 1-3 defeat in the Arctic, the players of Cristian Chivu failed to overturn the deficit at their home stadium. The return leg brought further disappointment — goals from Jens Hauge and Håkon Evjen sealed the Norwegians' advancement. Alessandro Bastoni's consolation goal late in the match was merely a poor solace for the gathered fans. The elimination has not only sporting but also financial and reputational dimensions. It is estimated that the failure to advance to the round of 16 results in a loss of around 12–15 million euros from UEFA prize money and matchday revenue alone, which, under the strict oversight of the Oaktree fund, could force the sale of key players in the summer. The Italian press speculates about the possible departures of Marcus Thuram or Denzel Dumfries. Piotr Zieliński, although he started and tried to create play, left the pitch after just an hour, and his performance was harshly judged by some club legends. Nevertheless, according to reports from „La Gazzetta dello Sport”, the position of the Pole and Sučić within the club's structure for next season appears secure. The last time a Norwegian team caused such a huge sensation at San Siro was in the 1996/1997 season, when Rosenborg Trondheim defeated AC Milan 2-1, eliminating them from the Champions League.The situation in Milan also resonated widely in Norway, where the national sports betting company Norsk Tipping recorded record losses. The company incorrectly assumed that Inter's triumph at home was certain, while two-thirds of bettors backed the success of the 'Cinderella' from beyond the Arctic Circle. Meanwhile, in Bodo itself, media attention is focused on goalkeeper Nikita Haikin. His outstanding form over the two legs has led Norwegian commentators to publicly appeal to the Prime Minister to expedite the procedure for granting him citizenship so he can aid the national team in the upcoming World Cup. „Il Bodo Glimt serva da lezione, il calcio norvegese è in grande crescita dome dimostrato anche dalla nazionale contro gli azzurri.” (Bodo/Glimt serves as a lesson, Norwegian football is growing significantly as also demonstrated by the national team against the Azzurri.) — Vincenzo Italiano