Kiss of disaster!!

Inter Milan’s transformation from Champions League also-rans to serious title contenders can be traced back to the day coach Jose Mourinho sauntered into town less than two years ago.

The road has been a bumpy one but Tuesday’s vibrant 3-1 win over holders Barcelona in their semi-final, first leg left home fans in dreamland having witnessed one of the great European nights at the famous old San Siro.

The rafters literally shook as 75,000 supporters bounced up and down in sheer delight after goals from Wesley Sneijder, Maicon and Diego Milito gave Inter the edge ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg at the Nou Camp.

World player of the year Lionel Messi, who scored four goals in the last round against Arsenal, was almost completely nullified by Javier Zanetti’s constant harrying and Inter’s ability to break so quickly that the ball was often behind him.

“We did a good defensive job on Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and we created lots of chances,” Argentina’s Milito told reporters after also being involved in the first two goals.

“My goal? I prefer to talk about my assists. It’s great to set up goals for my team-mates.”

Milito’s work-rate and willingness to chase lost causes sums up the attributes Mourinho has instilled in his players during a run of six straight European victories, including two against Chelsea.