The Giuseppe Meazza will host a heavyweight encounter that pitches two of Europe’s most in-form and high-profile teams against one another. The two clear favorites to qualify go head-to-head in what is expected to be a mouthwatering football contest.
Real Madrid travel to Italy to kick-off Group D’s first of two showdown matches – the second consecutive season the two European giants face each other in the group stages. Last year, it was the Merengues who stole a 2-0 victory in Milan.
Preview
This is the second consecutive Champions League campaign that witnesses Inter, Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk being pitched together. The fourth team, Borussia Monchengladbach’s place is taken by Moldovan surprise debutants Sheriff Tiraspol.
Inter have had to deal with the loss of star players Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku and have so far exceeded expectations under new manager Simone Inzaghi and a host of impressive signings.
The Nerazzurri have started their season on a high note, drawing once and winning twice in their three Serie A matches so far. Their last outing against Sampdoria, a 2-2 draw, wasn’t as convincing as expected but Inzaghi’s side are a work in progress.
Real Madrid will enter the clash full of confidence after a stunning 5-2 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga during the weekend.
Led by Karim Benzema, they have had a perfect start to their season – registering one draw and three victories in four matches so far.
Former Rossoneri manager Carlo Ancelotti’s presence in Los Blancos dugout has been instrumental and he will be looking to inflict damage to his former derby rivals.
Previous Results
Inter – W, W, D
Real Madrid – W, D, W, W
Expected Lineups and Team News
Inter
Just like his predecessor, Inzaghi is a fan of the flexible three-man defence formation – that will see Skriniar, De Vrij and Dimarco take charge ahead of veteran goalkeeper Samir Handanovic. Matteo Darmian and Ivan Perisic will overlook the wing back positions, supporting the midfield central pivot three of Barella, Brozovic and Calhanoglu. New signing Edin Dzeko is be expected to partner with Lautaro Martinez upfront, ahead of Joaquin Correa.
Alessandro Bastoni is the only major doubt with a thigh injury.
3-5-2 – Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Dimarco; Darmian, Barella, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Perisic; Martinez, Dzeko
Real Madrid
The Spanish giants have long been the torchbearers of the traditional attacking 4-3-3 formation. Eden Hazard, Benzema and Vinicius Junior upfront will be supported by veteran Modric, Casemiro and young blood Fede Valverde. The defence is set to don regular faces of Dani Carvajal, Militao, Nacho and Marcelo – with experience in the back touted to play a key role.
Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Luka Jovic and David Alaba are major absentees for Los Blancos through various types of injuries.
4-3-3 – Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Marcelo; Valverde, Casemiro, Modric; Hazard, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
Prediction: Inter 2-2 Real Madrid
Both heavyweights are unbeaten in their seasons so far and it looks like they will remain so, taking into consideration the strength and depth of their respective squads. A highly entertaining draw between Inzaghi and Ancelotti’s men is expected to be played out.