Luciano Spalletti’s Inter Milan host PSV Eindhoven on matchday 6 in the Champions League. Inter are looking to complete a double over their Dutch opponents having beaten Eindhoven 2-1 on matchday 2. Inter saw their Serie A title hopes end over the weekend with a 1-0 loss to Juventus.
They still have a chance to go deep in the Champions league, but need a win against PSV to have hope of making the knockout stage.
Inter are currently third in Group B and need a win or draw combined with a Tottenham loss to Barcelona to go through. Anything else may not be good enough. Currently, Tottenham are ahead of Inter thanks to a better goals scored record.
PSV have been eliminated from the Champions League and from qualifying for the Europa League. The Dutch side has had a difficult time in Group B thanks their opponents’ strength. PSV have just one point from five games, and it is difficult to believe they will play the part of spoiler on Tuesday night.
Expectations are high that Inter will stroll to victory as PSV have nothing to play for. However, those expectations could play into PSV’s hands. Inter must win and hope Barcelona take care of business against Spurs. The Italians need a few things to go their way to ensure progression and it could all boil over into making mistakes. San Siro will be full of tension in the stands and it could cause Inter’s players to feel the pressure once the game kicks off. While they have everything to play for, PSV are carefree.
Inter are heavy favourites, according to major sportsbooks. However, they haven’t won in their last three matches in all competitions. Hirving Lozano is PSV’s star man and he has scored 13 goals in 24 games in all competitions. The Mexican international is the heartbeat of PSV whether it is scoring or creating goals. Of course, Inter are led by Mauro Icardi, who has scored 11 times in 17 games.
Spalletti does have major injury issues to worry about. Radja Nainggolan continues to suffer with injuries. Matias Vecino, Borja Valero, and Matteo Politano may also miss the fixture due to fitness issues. Meanwhile, Roberto Gagliardini and Joao Mario were both left out of Inter’s Champions league group stage squad. Spalletti’s options may be limited.
Despite having injuries to worry about, Inter play a team that has nothing to play for in Europe. The Nerazzurri can focus on getting back to winning ways and qualifying for the knockout stage. Inter will win at home against PSV and Barcelona will take care of Tottenham. The combination of a win and Tottenham loss will ensure Inter reach the knockout stage.