Inter Milan will host Real Sociedad with top spot in the group up for grabs in the Champions League. After a 1-1 draw in their September rematch, the two clubs have advanced to the round of 16 without suffering a setback and will be determined to end their group stage campaign on a high note.
Preview (Inter Milan vs. Real Sociedad)
In Serie A’s Saturday night kickoff, Inter easily defeated Udinese 4-0 to reclaim the top spot in Italy. It was their 15th win of the season coming after a 3-0 loss to reigning champions Napoli the previous week. Federico Dimarco, Marcus Thuram, Hakan Calhanoglu—who had earlier scored a stunning goal against the Scudetto holders. Thuram all scored in the first half, with Lautaro Martinez, the captain, scoring his 14th league goal. With just one loss so far this season—a shocking defeat to Sassuolo in September—the Nerazzurri are tied for first place with longtime rivals Juventus. With a two-point lead through 15 games, most experts believe they will win the championship.
Along with Tuesday’s opponents, they lead Group D with 11 points. Simone Inzaghi’s club has already progressed to the Champions League knockout stages. This follows their most recent European match, which ended in an entertaining 3–3 draw with Benfica. They tied the game after coming back from a three-goal disadvantage. It was made possible by goals from Marko Arnautovic, Alexis Sanchez, and David Frattesi. In Milan, they now conclude their successful group stage campaign. In their last seven Champions League home games, they have triumphed six times.
By the way, Inter last won all three group games at home against reigning champions Real Sociedad in 2010. This week, they may match that record by defeating Real Sociedad, whom they will host for the first time. In contrast, La Real’s goal differential is greater than Inter’s after five games. It means they only need one point from their final encounter to take first place in Group D.
Team News
With qualification already assured and a demanding journey to play old team Lazio on Sunday, Simone Inzaghi might alter his starting lineup slightly against Real Sociedad. When Inter played Benfica last month, it was a nearly different team. Yann Sommer has kept 10 clean sheets in 15 league games since joining the team in the summer. Although the latter has contributed to the greatest percentage of the Nerazzurri’s Champions League shots this season (29%), Marko Arnautovic and Alexis Sanchez might be used once more.
Given the recent injuries to Stefan de Vrij, Benjamin Pavard, and Denzel Dumfries, Inzaghi will most likely shift his defense-related resources. After serving a domestic suspension over the weekend, Real Sociedad will benefit from having star defender Robin Le Normand back in the lineup against San Siro. In addition, Mikel Oyarzabal ought to be available, while Ander Barrenetxea and Mohamed Ali-Cho are still out.
On Tuesday, André Silva is a great contender to lead the visiting team from the front. Imanol Alguacil may switch up his midfield. The two important players should still be highlighted, though. This season, Brais Mendez has scored in both of his road journeys across Europe; in his first three Champions League away games, no Spaniard has ever scored. More aerial duels (28), and duels (51) than any other player in the Champions League have been won by Mikel Merino. Merino scored and provided an assist in the 3-1 triumph against Benfica.
Inter Milan 2 – 1 Real Sociedad
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