The Nerazzurri head to Austria midweek in a Group D Champions League matchup, with RB Salzburg vs Inter set to take place from a sold-out Red Bull Arena. The hosts have lost their last two consecutive matches in Europe, whilst the visitors remain unbeaten.
It was a dream start for Salzburg in their first Champions League outing of the season as they defeated Portuguese champions Benfica 2-0 during Round 1. However, they have lost both European matches since then and are in danger of being eliminated if they lose here and Real Sociedad defeat Benfica.
Inter should be feeling confident ahead of their trip on Wednesday as they sit level on points with Sociedad, with both sides having picked up seven points each through three group stage matches. Simone Inzaghi’s side drew 1-1 away to the Spanish outfit during Round 1 but have since recorded 1-0 and 2-1 triumphs at home to Benfica and Salzburg respectively. Take a look at our RB Salzburg vs Inter preview below.
RB Salzburg Preview
For all of the experience that Die Roten Bullen have acquired in Europe’s elite tournament, they have qualified for the knockouts just once over their past five appearances at the Champions League group stage. It appears unlikely that they will be able to reach the last 16 this season, either, as they currently trail Sociedad and Inter by four points.
Nevertheless, a win against Inter here would shake up Group D massively. A return to home soil gives them a greater chance at doing so. That is if they can emulate their 2021/22 Champions League campaign where they won all three matches at Red Bull Arena. Since then, they have won just one of their last four Champions League matches on their own turf.
The Austrian champions currently lead the Bundesliga once again this term but they have dropped points in four of their 13 league games. Salzburg have been far from perfect this season and will find it extremely difficult against a more reliable Inter. Nonetheless, they only lost by a one-goal deficit in the reverse fixture last month.
Salzburg head into the match in good shape too. They have won their last three consecutive domestic matches following the loss in Milan. That includes a 3-0 win at home to Altach, before needing penalties to defeat Hartberg in the OFB Cup. They then defeated Tirol 2-0 away from home last Saturday.
One To Watch: Karim Konate
Despite starting from the bench against Inter in Salzburg’s last Champions League outing, Karim Konate has gone on to start all three games since, scoring three in the process. That includes a brace away to Tirol last time out. The 19-year-old should enter this one full of confidence.
Inter Preview
Sitting top of the Serie A table, Inter’s fine run of form to end last season has carried on into the new campaign. They have suffered only one defeat all season, dropping points in a total of just three games across all competitions. It is the consistency in Inzaghi’s side this season that has been the most impressive.
The Nerazzurri are looking for their fifth consecutive triumph on Wednesday night after they won their fourth in a row on Saturday. After dropping points at home to Bologna at the beginning of last month, Inter have beaten Torino, Salzburg, Roma and Atalanta. They were able to defeat La Dea 2-1 in Bergamo at Gewiss Stadium on Saturday in their most recent match. It wasn’t a pretty three points for Inter but their hard-fought win is a testament to how strong Inzaghi’s men have become.
Not forgetting to mention the pure brilliance of Lautaro Martinez, of course. The Argentine fired Inter into a two-goal lead just before the hour mark, cutting in from the left flank before beautifully curling the ball into the far right corner. Having bagged 12 goals in just 11 Serie a appearances thus far, the 26-year-old is proving just have valuable he is.
One To Watch: Hakan Calhanoglu
It seemed as though the departure of Marcelo Brozovic over the summer may have left a big impact on Inter ahead of the new season. However, Hakan Calhanoglu has performed excellently as a regista for the Nerazzurri this season, proving that his defensive abilities are also sound. We all know how good he is technically but the Turkish midfielder continues to improve his game.
Head-to-Head
Last month’s meeting at San Siro was the first competitive battle between Salzburg and Inter since 1994. The Nerazzurri were largely in control of the match, recording an expected goals total of 2.52, compared to Salzburg’s 0.50. The scoreline was a little more generous to the Austrian side, especially since Martinez marginally had a goal disallowed.
RB Salzburg vs Inter Potential Lineups & Team News
RB Salzburg (4-3-1-2): Alexander Schlager; Amar Dedic, Oumar Solet, Strahinja Pavlovic, Andreas Ulmer; Mads Bidstrup, Lucas Gourna-Douath, Luka Sucic; Oscar Gloukh; Karim Konate, Roko Simic
The home side are set to be without a host of players here. Fernando, Dijon Kameri, Maurits Kjaergaard, Sekou Koita, Aleksa Terzic, Bryan Okoh, Kamil Piatkowski and Justin Omoregie are all expected to remain sidelined.
Inter (3-5-2): Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Matteo Darmian, Davide Frattesi, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Alexis Sanchez, Marcus Thuram
Marko Arnautovic is expected to return for the visitors for the first time since September after recovering from a thigh issue. However, he will likely start on the bench, whilst it seems difficult for Inzaghi to leave either Martinez or Marcus Thuram out of the starting lineup. Although, rest is essential for Inter’s key forwards, which means Alexis Sanchez could start up top.
Denzel Dumfries has travelled with the squad, despite recently missing training due to fatigue. However, Matteo Darmian is an option to start at right wing-back if needed, especially with Juan Cuadrado still out. Benjamin Pavard picked up an injury in Bergamo on Saturday and will be absent for the next couple of months. That could mean Yann Bisseck is selected as part of the three-man defense.
RB Salzburg vs Inter Prediction
Salzburg need a result here to keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds alive. However, it won’t come easy against an Inter side in top form. The Nerazzurri will be favored for the victory to ensure their spot in the last 16 for the third successive campaign.
RB Salzburg 0-2 Inter