Two unbeaten UEFA Champions League records are on the line as Inter and Arsenal go head-to-head in a heavyweight clash on Wednesday. Stadio Giuseppe Meazza forms the backdrop for the first European meeting between the two European powerhouses in over two decades.
Inter and Arsenal shared the stage in the 2003/04 Champions League group stage, and it didn’t end well for the Italians. Despite a 3-0 win in North London, the Nerazzurri suffered a thumping 5-1 defeat on this ground en route to a frustrating group-stage exit.
Fast forward 21 years, Inter will aim to throw a dent in Arsenal’s impressive European start. Like their visitors, Simone Inzaghi’s men have been outstanding at Europe’s top table this term. It all started with a spirited 0-0 draw against Manchester City in round one.
However, while Inter thrashed Red Star Belgrade 4-0 on matchday two, they left it late to beat below-par Young Boys last time out. Marcus Thuram’s heroics in second-half stoppages catapulted the reigning Serie A holders to a precious 1-0 triumph in Bern.
The same scoreline decided Arsenal’s home clash against Shakhtar Donetsk. It was a perfect follow-up on a scintillating 2-0 home victory against Paris Saint-Germain. But it’s worth noting that the Gunners’ only continental slip-up this season came in Italy in round one.
Atalanta held the Premier League title hopefuls to a scoreless draw in Bergamo. David Raya pulled off a stunning save to thwart Mateo Retegui’s effort from the spot, ensuring they enter this matchday as one of only five sides yet to concede this Champions League campaign.
Match Preview
Inter
Despite their disappointing defensive showings in Serie A, Inter belong to the same select group. Inzaghi’s side weathered a late storm last weekend. VAR’s intervention helped them hold on to a fragile 1-0 lead against newly-promoted Venezia, marking their second consecutive clean sheet in the league.
As a result of that narrow victory, Inter head into proceedings on an eye-catching eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W7, D1). Therefore, the stage looks set for another promising home result against English opposition, with the Nerazzurri boasting a formidable record against Premier League visitors (W11, D3, L3).
Inzaghi has no reason to question his side’s chances in this blockbuster clash, considering Inter have fared outstandingly in Champions League outings at Meazza lately, racking up ten wins in their last 14 (D2, L2). Moreover, they’ve netted 3+ goals in three of their four most recent competitive home matches (W3, D1).
Arsenal
Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations took another hit on Saturday as Newcastle United toppled them 1-0 at St James’ Park, condemning them to a third consecutive league game without a win (D1, L2). Stranded seven points adrift of table-topping Liverpool, the Gunners may see this trip as a welcome distraction.
Team News
Inter cannot count on long-term absentee Tajon Buchanan and second-string midfielder Kristjan Asllani. Carlos Augusto is in doubt after suffering a muscle strain against Young Boys. However, Inzaghi has welcomed Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi back to the squad.
On the other hand, Arsenal will take this trip without Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Ben White shook off his injury concerns to feature at the weekend. The same goes for Gabriel Magalhaes. However, the most significant boost for the visiting team is Martin Odegaard’s return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Inter vs Arsenal Potential Starting Line-ups
Inter (3-5-2): Yann Sommer; Benjamin Pavard, Stefan de Vrij, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Hakan Calhanoglu, Federico Dimarco; Mehdi Taremi, Lautaro Martinez.
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber; Mikel Merino, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli.
Inter vs Arsenal Prediction
This encounter has a low-scoring theme written all over it. We wouldn’t be surprised if both teams fail to score in what could possibly be a scoreless stalemate.
Prediction: Draw
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