'Just shoot, man' – Matteo Darmian blasted for wasteful backheel as Inter draw at Man City in Champions League
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Published 18/09/2024 at 22:46 GMT
The UEFA Champions League returned to our screens this week and fans were treated to some moments of real class at grounds across Europe. That was not the case during Manchester City against Inter Milan as TNT Sports' punditry team and Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi were left outraged by Matteo Darmian's botched backheel. The defender could have easily taken aim at Ederson's goal instead.
Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and FC Internazionale Milano at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot - Inter/Inter via Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand, Joleon Lescott and Karen Carney were left bemused by Matteo Darmian's decision to backheel the ball while one-on-one with Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.
Inter Milan's clash with Pep Guardiola's side may have ended 0-0, but the former Manchester United defender had the perfect opportunity to win it after being put through on goal.
Darmian turned down a clear shot at goal, instead opting to find a team-mate with a flamboyant backheel, which resulted in Inter losing possession of the ball.
That left the TNT Sports punditry team, and the Inter manager Simone Inzaghi, incensed.
"Just shoot, man," said Ferdinand.
"That was a right back in an attacking position if ever you saw one. He had no understanding of where his touch should go while running at that speed.
"It was all HD in one moment, and then it went blurry."
The clash was a repeat of the 2023 Champions League final where City lifted the trophy for the first time after beating their Italian rivals 1-0.
Lescott felt Darmian had to take the chance in a game that lacked many clear-cut opportunities.
"It was a strange decision," said Lescott.
"Even if the backheel is a successful one, and it goes to a team-mate, I would still be questioning why he did not take the shot on.
"I think that is the frustration for his manager and the commentary, he has a clear opportunity on goal, and they have not had many clear opportunities throughout the night."
Carney was asked how she would feel if one of her team-mates attempted something similar in a crucial Champions League game.
"You are just fuming with him because you have worked so hard to get him those opportunities," said Carney.
"I do think his first touch let him down. I think you would just say, 'mate, watch the clips.'"
TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024-25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
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