COMMENT: One of the more thrilling European ties this term highlighted the power of passionate home support and exposed how far the Nerazzurri have fallen since their 2010 heyday
Before this match Celtic striker Stefan Scepovic advised his team-mates that Inter represented vulnerable Europa League opponents and his optimism proved well founded as the Scottish champions salvaged a dramatic 3-3 draw.
The scoreline tips the balance in favour of the Italians, but Celtic are starved of such glamour ties following Rangers' demise and their own failure to qualify for the Champions League. For those who deride Europe's second-tier club competition, this last-32 first leg produced one of the most exhilarating periods of football this season.
The first half started and finished with errors from home goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who allowed Xherdan Shaqiri and Rodrigo Palacio to find the net for the visitors. For arguably Celtic's best player this season, Inter third's goal - Palacio's second - will stay with him for a long while, as it was the strike that tipped the tie back in the Italians' favour.
Sandwiched between the moments in which Inter flexed their offensive muscles, those weaknesses which Scepovic accurately predicted were exposed by the Scots. Having fallen a couple of goals down inside quarter of an hour, the response from the hosts was carried upon a wave of fervour created by the home fans before kick-off that did not diminish throughout.
Stuart Armstrong, making his first home start since a move from Dundee United in January, showed his credentials with a composed finish worthy of a veteran on the European stage before forcing the own-goal from Hugo Campagnaro. Both goals had come initially from the right - an area pinpointed pre-match as a potential weakness.
That Inter were so profoundly troubled by a 22-year-old rookie was not only a credit to the Scot but an indictment of a team who, just five years ago, boasted Europe's most formidable defence.
And they would be undone in stoppage time after failing to heed several warnings as John Guidetti slammed a shot into the top corner.
While Inter showed undoubted quality in the offensive areas, with Shaqiri their wispish fulcrum, Ronny Deila's adventurous and fluid approach exposed a soft underbelly that continues to undermine Inter even after Roberto Mancini was appointed as coach.
The tendency of the home wingers to drift freely was a problem with which the visiting defence perpetually struggled to cope, allowing the likes of Adam Matthews to inflict damage down the right during the first half.
Even when Inter looked more secure after the interval, Andrea Ranocchia and Juan cut an unconvincing duo. One particular blunder was nearly punished by Gary Mackay-Steven only for Juan Pablo Carizzo to make a smart block with his left boot.
Celtic may have improved since they were unceremoniously dumped - twice - from the Champions League qualifiers in the autumn but, as Inter now stand in Serie A, they are little more than European makeweights.
Drawing a continental match of such magnitude remains an achievement to be praised, but Celtic are not the scalp they once were, when even Barcelona in their prime were humbled in Glasgow's east end.
With three away goals Inter may have done enough to secure their place in the last 16 of the Europa League, but Mancini's side still have much work to do to ensure they can become competitive in Serie A and Europe.
Celtic, meanwhile, will accept the glamour and drama of thrilling games such as this. In spite of Scottish football's wider woes, there is life in the old dog yet, and it does not have to involve their Old Firm rivals.
