PEP GIVES CREDIT TO 'DEFENCE MASTERS'

Man City held by Inter at home but coach satisfied, says opponents are exceptional

Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi said the Italian champions produced a "giant performance" to leave Manchester City frustrated in a 0-0 draw to begin their Champions League campaign on Sept 18.

One of the selling points of the new expanded Champions League format was to bring together the continent's elite teams more often before the knockout stage.

A repeat of the 2023 final, won 1-0 by City, did little to set the pulses racing, but Inter will feel they should have inflicted a first home European defeat in six years on Pep Guardiola's men.

Inter's Henrikh Mkhitaryan blazed over the best chance of the match 15 minutes from time.

"I said 'Well done guys' to my team in the dressing room. They put in a giant performance," said Inzaghi.

"We all know Manchester City and what they're capable of. We all know what they have achieved, particularly at home. We did this and had some good chances too. I fell into a state of despair when Mkhitaryan didn't score."