Inter Milan host Champions League Group F leaders Barcelona on Tuesday night. The Nerazzurri must win against Barcelona to ensure they qualify for the next round of the tournament.
Barcelona have already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League and will do so as Group F winners. The Catalan team is unbeaten in Group F.
Inter Milan are level with Group F third-place team Borussia Dortmund on seven points. The Italians have a +2-goal difference which tops Borussia Dortmund’s -1-goal difference.
The last time Inter Milan and Barcelona met in Champions League Group F play, the Spanish team came from a goal down to win 2-1. Lautaro Martinez’s third-minute goal was cancelled out in the second half by two Luis Suarez strikes.
Ernesto Valverde does not have to play his best team on Tuesday night with Champions League progression achieved. Barcelona are unbeaten in six straight matches in all competitions with five consecutive games finishing in victories.
Antonio Conte’s team is unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions. Inter Milan are in first place in Serie A and extended their lead over Juventus to two points at the weekend. They will have plenty of confidence going into Tuesday night’s game.
The Nerazzurri must win against Barcelona as Borussia Dortmund will face already eliminated team Slavia Prague at home. Borussia Dortmund should have little trouble winning, which means Conte has to lead his side to a victory as well.
Valverde is expected to rotate his team against Inter Milan as difficult league matches are on the horizon. Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo are both injured and despite being back in training, neither is expected to play. Back-up goalkeeper Neto is should get a start in goal for Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
The manager could also rest Lionel Messi and Suarez. If he does, Inter Milan could have an edge. Messi has scored 14 goals this season but only two of those strikes have come in the Champions League.
Nicolo Barella and Alexis Sanchez are both ruled out for Inter Milan. The duo could be back in training after Christmas and in the team for the second half of the term. Stefano Sensi is suffering from an abductor injury.
🌟 @ChampionsLeague mode: 🔛 pic.twitter.com/rRYpOmLTrD— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 9, 2019
🌟 @ChampionsLeague mode: 🔛 pic.twitter.com/rRYpOmLTrD
Barcelona have no incentive to win on Tuesday night. Inter Milan must win to ensure they reach the last 16. Expect Tuesday night’s game to be a cagey affair with Inter Milan and Barcelona drawing at the San Siro with under 2.5 goals scored.
The draw may not be enough for Inter Milan to move on to the last 16. Conte will most likely take his side into the Europa League in February.