With Bayern Munich and Inter having already secured the top two spot in the Champions League Group C, there was nothing at stake at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night. The scorecard at full time read 2-0 in favor of the German powerhouse but the game had little to offer.
And so, the confrontation between the German champions and the Italian runner-ups turned into a chance for the two coaches to give some playing time to their second lines. Specifically, Simone Inzaghi gave a chance from the start to wingbacks Robin Gosens and Raoul Bellanova, while Kristian Asslani and Roberto Gagliardini took place in the middle of the park.
Matteo Darmian was hijacked from wingback to central defender in Inzaghi’s back-three, while Lautaro Martinez and Joaquin Correa formed an all-Argentine offensive partnership.
But aside from any tactical experiment, it was clear that Inter’s mind was already at the upcoming Derby d’Italia with Juventus this coming Sunday.
Bayern Munich, who featured Eric-Maxim Choupo-Mouting upfront, supported by Kinglsey Coman, Ryan Gravenberch, and Sadio Mané, eventually put their firepower to use and scored with Benjamin Pavard and Choupo-Mouting.
The latter’s goal, in particular – a formidable right-foot screamer that left no chance to André Onana – was at least worth the ticket price for the Allianz Arena supporters.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |