Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has described Inter Milan as the best team in Italy, highlighting the club’s consistency and tactical identity ahead of their Champions League meeting at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mourinho, who previously guided Inter to a historic treble in the 2009/10 season, praised the Italian side’s development under successive managers. He said Inter have remained a “great team for six years,” pointing to the continuity from Antonio Conte to Simone Inzaghi and Cristian Chivu.
The Portuguese coach’s assessment underlined the respect he has for his former club, despite the challenge Inter posed to Real Madrid in their European opener. The match was also emotionally significant for Mourinho, given his celebrated history with the Nerazzurri.
Inter entered the encounter as the reigning Serie A champions after winning the Italian title during the 2025/26 campaign. Their domestic success has reinforced their status among Italy’s leading clubs and helped maintain high expectations ahead of another Champions League campaign.
Mourinho’s comments were particularly notable because Inter produced a strong performance in Madrid. They controlled 70 per cent of possession in the first half and created several opportunities, but Real Madrid eventually secured a 2-1 victory through goals from Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde.
Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter in the second half, while Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made several crucial saves to protect the hosts’ advantage.
Despite the defeat, Inter’s performance demonstrated why Mourinho considers them among the strongest teams in Italy. Their ability to maintain possession and create chances against a Real Madrid side playing at home also highlighted the competitiveness of the Champions League.
Mourinho’s relationship with Inter remains one of the most celebrated chapters of his managerial career. He led the club to Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League glory in 2010, becoming the first Italian club to complete the treble.
