Sommer’s night: Inter Milan’s silent wall who stopped Barcelona
Two days after Inter Milan vs Barcelona, the standout memory is the masterclass performance of goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who was crucial to the Nerazzurri’s success
Three days after Inter Milan vs Barcelona, the standout memory is the masterclass performance of goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who was crucial to the Nerazzurri’s success
Three days after Inter Milan vs Barcelona, the standout memory remains the brilliant performance of the Nerazzurri goalkeeper, particularly Yann Sommer.
The Swiss shot-stopper stood out with spectacular saves, especially one in extra time against a Yamal strike.
With 7 saves and 61 touches, he was also decisive as a deep-lying playmaker.
Despite often being underestimated for his height (183 cm), Sommer built his success through explosive athleticism and exceptional positioning.
From underdog to hero: Sommer's journey to the top
"When the team walked toward the Curva, Yann lingered in the background, almost shy.
Lautaro physically lifted him and pushed him to the front, right under the fans. Yann opened his arms wide and embraced the love of the Nerazzurri faithful," the Italian newspaper La Repubblica via Fcinter1908.it highlighted.
"Sommer isn’t someone who seeks revenge. At 36, he seems like a man at peace. Still, he’s spent his life being told he’s too short to play as a top-level goalkeeper.
He spent most of his career at Borussia Mönchengladbach and only got his first major opportunity at Bayern Munich after Neuer’s skiing injury. But he didn’t impress them enough: good, but not enough.
Then came Inter Milan, who had just sold Onana to Manchester United for €52 million (£44 million).
Sommer arrived in Milan for €5 million (£4.2 million), signed by Marotta. And once again, the same old whispers returned: ‘He’s decent, but Onana was something else.’”
Transforming weaknesses into strengths—Sommer did just that with his height, honing his explosiveness, positioning, and vertical leap.
He even trains his eye muscles and does specific vision exercises. So much so that he’s now a role model for shorter goalkeepers.
Yann also works with a mental coach and practices meditation to manage the pressure of his position.
His other secrets? He eats meat, but not too much, is moving closer to a vegan diet, and has replaced coffee with matcha tea.
After the match against Barcelona, Swiss journalists surrounded him in San Siro’s media zone, awestruck.
In some ways, he resembles Federer—a Swiss icon and his inspiration. "Roger made people dream; Yann is following in his footsteps."