Inter Milanvs.Feyenoord

Inter take a two-goal lead into the second leg of their last-16 tie at San Siro, so the Dutch club face an improbable task against Europe's meanest defence.

Match preview

Although Piotr Zielinski saw his penalty saved by Timon Wellenreuther at a typically atmospheric De Kuip, last Wednesday's opener still went Inter's way thanks to goals from star strikers Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.

An 18th Champions League strike also took the latter one goal ahead of legendary forward Sandro Mazzola, becoming the Italian club's all-time leading scorer in Europe's top tournament.

While Feyenoord required a playoff to reach this stage, Inter have proved imperious in continental competition this season - finishing fourth in the league phase to qualify directly - and they are now 90 minutes away from a likely quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.

Simone Inzaghi's side have played 875 minutes of Champions League football this term and only been behind for 285 seconds, during a late loss to Bayer Leverkusen - the sole goal they have conceded in nine matches.

So, having won each of their last five European home games without conceding, fans of the Nerazzurri may expect their team to progress without too much fuss.

Not only have the three-time European champions - and runners-up two years ago - lost just three of their last 24 Champions League fixtures, but they are also top of the pile in Serie A amid a fascinating title race.

Across all competitions, Inter have won 28 and lost only five of 41 games this season, recently overtaking immediate predecessors Napoli in the fight to retain their Scudetto.

Leading the way in Italy's closest top-four race this century, Inzaghi's men secured a 3-2 win over rock-bottom Monza on Saturday, when they ultimately averted embarrassment by fighting back from two down at San Siro.

Having reached the last 16 for a first time in the Champions League era, Feyenoord are aiming to become just the fourth team to beat both Milan clubs in the same continental campaign.

The 1970 European champions may have eliminated Inter's city rivals AC Milan in the playoffs, but they were well beaten by the Nerazzurri in Rotterdam and are winless in their last eight away games against Italian opponents.

A remarkable lack of luck with injuries - and a certain amount of mismanagement - has seen the Eredivisie side go through two coaches since Arne Slot's departure, and playing legend Robin van Persie was in charge for the first leg.

Leading to the former striker's appointment, Feyenoord recently suffered three defeats in eight league matches - as many as throughout the previous 50 - though they were unbeaten in six games prior to last week's loss.

Still burdened by a long absence list, history also suggests that an incredible comeback may be beyond them: across 26 away matches in the Champions League, they have only ever managed one win by more than a single goal, beating Benfica 3-1 in Lisbon earlier this season.

Van Persie cannot complain about being given every chance to prepare his troops, though, as the Dutch FA allowed Feyenoord the weekend off from domestic duty.

Lying 16 points shy of top spot in the Netherlands and already out of the KNVB Beker, they can therefore throw everything into Tuesday's contest.

Inter Milan Champions League form:

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Inter Milan form (all competitions):

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Feyenoord Champions League form:

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Feyenoord form (all competitions):

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Team News

Inter made several changes on Saturday, resting Marcus Thuram and bringing back their tried-and-trusted midfield unit, but Simone Inzaghi is likely to recall his French forward in midweek.

Set to partner Thuram up front, Lautaro Martinez has scored six goals in nine Champions League appearances this season. Only three Inter players have ever managed more in a single campaign: Hernan Crespo in 2002-03 (nine), Samuel Eto'o in 2010-11 (eight) and Adriano in 2004-05 (seven).

While the hosts will still be without several wing-backs - Matteo Darmian, Federico Dimarco and Nicola Zalewski - due to injury, Carlos Augusto returned to action as a second-half substitute against Monza. Having deputised on the left flank, Alessandro Bastoni could therefore resume his role in central defence.

First-choice goalkeeper Yann Sommer was also back on the bench following thumb surgery, though it remains to be seen whether the veteran stopper is now ready to displace deputy Josep Martinez.

Dutch centre-back Stefan de Vrij is an option in defence - he joined Feyenoord as a 10-year-old over two decades ago, before going on to achieve success in Italy.

Meanwhile, the visitors' injury crisis continues, and as many as 10 men could miss the trip to Milan. Most notably, Hwang In-beom, Bart Nieuwkoop, Gernot Trauner, Calvin Stengs, goalkeeper Justin Bijlow and captain Quinten Timber are unavailable.

Teenage defender Givairo Read returns from suspension, but Ibrahim Osman must now serve a one-match ban for accumlulated bookings following his yellow card in the first leg.

Shouldering the creative burden up front, Igor Paixao has been directly involved in four goals in five Champions League away games this term - the Brazilian winger is set to support lone striker Julian Carranza.

Inter Milan possible starting lineup:

J. Martinez; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Zielinski, Augusto; L. Martinez, Thuram

Feyenoord possible starting lineup:

Wellenreuther; Read, Beelen, Hancko, Bueno; Moder, Smal; Hadj Moussa, Paixao, Ivanusec; Carranza

We say: Inter Milan 2-0 Feyenoord (Inter win 4-0 on aggregate)

There was very little in the first leg to suggest Feyenoord have sufficient firepower to topple another Milan giant.

Written by

Jonathan O'Shea

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