Exclusive: Taye Taiwo Shares UCL Advice for Inter & Why AC Milan Deserve Coppa Italia

5 min read
May 4, 2025, 8:37 AM
Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale scores his team's second goal during the first leg match against FC Barcelona

Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale scores his team's second goal during the first leg match against FC Barcelona (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Former AC Milan defender Taye Taiwo has cautioned Inter Milan to aim for an early goal in the return leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie against Barcelona.

The Nerazzurri will welcome the Spanish giants to the San Siro Stadium on Tuesday with a place in the final at stake after settling for a 3-3 draw in Barcelona a week ago.

Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries starred for Inter in Catalonia with a brace and an assist, while Lamine Yamal was at the centre of Barcelona’s dominance with his playmaking and mesmerizing skills.

Inter Milan are winless in their last five matches in all competitions, but Simone Inzaghi’s men would need to put an end to such poor form to make it into the Champions League final for the second time in three years.

When asked about Inter Milan’s chances against Barcelona, Taiwo told RG: “For me, they have a big opportunity for sure, but it is not going to be easy to play against Barcelona. The two teams are currently tied at 3-3 so Inter have to be very careful when they play at home.

“If Inter can score an early goal [on Tuesday], I believe they have the quality to go through with their strong defence.”

AC Milan’s Moment of Redemption

Taiwo, who spent two years at AC Milan, also urged his former team, the Rossoneri, to win the Coppa Italia for the club faithful who have stood with them amid their inconsistency this season.

Milan will face Bologna in the final scheduled for the Stadio Olimpico on May 14, just a few days after the two teams face each other at the San Siro Stadium in Serie A.

The Coppa Italia triumph would guarantee AC Milan’s qualification for the UEFA Europa League next season, as they currently occupy the ninth position in the league table.

“Bologna has always been a tricky opponent for Milan teams, just like you saw against Inter two weeks ago. It’s not going to be a very easy game for AC Milan," Taiwo told RG. "It is a different ball game when you have to go to the Coppa Italia final. It is a final and you never know what’s going to happen, but I really hope for AC Milan to win. The fans really deserve the title. Their support for the team throughout this season is commendable even with the good and bad run of results.”

“It’s very important for Milan.”

Marseille’s Road to Champions League

The former Nigeria international, who won the French Ligue 1 with Marseille in the 2009-10 campaign, also encouraged Roberto Di Zerbi’s side to take Sunday’s league trip to Lille with all seriousness.

Marseille find themselves challenging OGC Nice, Lille, AS Monaco, Olympique Lyon and Strasbourg for Champions League qualification, with a combined four points separating the five teams.

“Sunday’s game is very important for Marseille because if they win this game, they will be one step into the Champions League," Taiwo said. “They always perform at home but they have struggled to get results on the road, which is affecting the overall team’s performance."

“Marseille need to be very careful because when they attack, all the players move forward, leaving their opponents in one-on-one situations at the back, making it very difficult to defend. That’s how they concede goals at home and lose games away from home. I hope this game that is coming up on Sunday in Lille, they can get at least a point from it. It will be a boost for the Champions League return.”
Taiye Taiwo
Taiye Taiwo
Soccer Reporter

With a global perspective on sports journalism, Taiye brings much experience covering sports across continents. He focuses particularly on football (soccer), basketball, and emerging sports trends. In addition to his versatile writing and deep understanding of the global sports landscape, his ability to blend cultural insights with detailed sports reporting has earned him a reputation as a go-to journalist for international sports coverage.

Interests:
MLS
CAF
UCL
Euroleague
esports
Sports Marketing

More Soccer Stories

Soccer
06/22/2025
Zach Lowy
Zach Lowy
Flamengo’s Rise Shows Why Brazilian Clubs Are Built for Big Games
With a commanding win over Chelsea, Flamengo proves that Brazilian clubs still have what it takes to beat Europe’s giants on the big stage
Flamengo’s Rise Shows Why Brazilian Clubs Are Built for Big Games
Soccer
06/20/2025
Taiye Taiwo
Taiye Taiwo
Moses Simon Building Legacy On and Off the Pitch in Nigeria
Super Eagles winger Moses Simon is changing lives in Nigeria through his academy, while closing in on a Ligue 1 move to newly promoted Paris FC
Moses Simon Building Legacy On and Off the Pitch in Nigeria
Soccer
06/19/2025
Zach Lowy
Zach Lowy
Chelsea’s Rising Stars Set for Showdown With Flamengo in Philly
Chelsea’s young talents are ready to shine as they face Flamengo in a crucial Club World Cup clash that could decide Group D in Philadelphia
Chelsea’s Rising Stars Set for Showdown With Flamengo in Philly
Soccer
06/19/2025
Zach Lowy
Zach Lowy
Manchester City’s Fresh Faces on Full Display in Philadelphia
Manchester City’s new signings took center stage in a convincing 2-0 victory against Wydad AC, kicking off their Club World Cup campaign in style
Manchester City’s Fresh Faces on Full Display in Philadelphia
Prev
...
Next

Soccer Reporters

Zach Lowy
Zach Lowy
Soccer Reporter

Zach Lowy is a freelance football journalist who has written for leading outlets like FotMob, BetUS, Apuestas Deportivas, and who has appeared as a radio and television guest for BBC, SiriusXMFC, and various other platforms. After pursuing a global sports journalism degree at George Washington University, Zach has been able to tap into his multilingual background and interview major footballing figures in Spanish and Portuguese as well as operate the weekly podcast 'Zach Lowy's European Football Show' on BET Central.

Meet All Our Experts
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.