By the time the great escapologist came on, the mission was impossible for AC Milan. Divock Origi had powered one Champions League semi-final comeback from 3-0 down; but not in 14 minutes and not against this Inter Milan. This time he was the afterthought, his introduction overshadowed by Lautaro Martinez’s goal; the goal sent Internazionale to Istanbul, that put the Nerazzurri 90 minutes from the sort of triumph that almost felt outlawed in the Champions League these days.
Inter are European royalty - just the fourth club ever to win its premier club competition, their very name referencing their international identity – but the kind of aristocracy whose brand of faded grandeur can make them appear anachronisms in a world of new money and vaunting ambition.
