Last year’s Champions League runners-up will look to get their first win in UCL with Inter vs Benfica. The visitors will be keen to get the better of Inter as they lost in the quarter-finals to the Nerazzurri in the last season. Both the teams are looking for their first win as Benfica were stunned by RB Salzburg with a 2-0 defeat. Meanwhile, Inter had to settle for a point away from home in a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad.
Simone Inzaghi got criticism for rotating his squad for the game against Real Sociedad. But the Italian manager will be looking to go with his full strength against Benfica. The Portuguese side will pose a threat in all departments. The game against Real Sociedad was a wake-up call for Inter to take this group seriously. Lautaro Martinez returned to form on the weekend with a statement poker from him against Salernitana. But they now face Benfica, who claimed back-to-back victories domestically after losing against RB Salzburg.
Inter vs Benfica: team news, tactics, and prediction
Inzaghi is facing some injury issues in his squad, as Frattesi, Arnautovic, Sensi, and Cuadrado will remain out for a while. But the Italian manager is expected to start his preferred duo of Lautaro and Thuram. Both are enjoying each other’s company this season. Also, the Argentine striker came in the second half against Salernitana so he will be fresh to take on Benfica at the San Siro. Sanchez too is more than capable of sparking a difference coming from the bench.
Schmidt has a full squad available at his disposal, but Antonio Silva will be serving his suspension as he got a red card against RB Salzburg.
Prediction
The Nerazzurri should extend their unbeaten run against Benfica, considering their recent form and Inzaghi’s expertise in cup games.
Inter Milan 2-1 Benfica.
