Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has decided to start Kristjan Asllani and Piotr Zielinski in tonight’s away match against Feyenoord. This evening’s Champions League last-16 clash kicks off at 18.45 CET.
Inter are looking to secure an all-important first-leg lead after locking down automatic last-16 qualification.
The Nerazzurri enjoyed a near-faultless league-stage campaign.
Indeed, except for a 1-0 loss at Bayer Leverkusen on Match Day 6, they kept a clean sheet in seven remaining league-phase fixtures.
However, Inter Milan just drew 1-1 at Napoli last Saturday in the Serie A.
Furthermore, with games every three days, the Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi has often rotated the squad.
Injuries to several key players also forced Inzaghi’s hand in recent matches.
Nothing should change tonight, as the Italian giants will miss several first-team stars.
Firstly, in defense, injuries have caused havoc to Inzaghi’s system. Center-back Alessandro Bastoni must switch to the left wing to cover for Federico Dimarco’s absence.
Therefore, Italian veteran Francesco Acerbi starts in his place.
Secondly, Benjamin Pavard and Stefan de Vrij complete the defensive trio. Then, rising German star Yann Bisseck starts on the bench.
Meanwhile, in midfield, there are further changes. Kristjan Asllani deputizes for the injury-hit Hakan Calhanoglu.
Furthermore, Nicolo Barella and Piotr Zielinski start in the middle of the park. Therefore, Davide Frattesi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have been benched.
In goal, meanwhile, Josep Martinez gets the nod over Yann Sommer, who has just recovered from thumb surgery.
And on the flanks, there are more changes. In-form Denzel Dumfries starts at right-wingback, with Matteo Darmian and Nicola Zalewski injured.
Carlos Augusto and Federico Dimarco are unavailable with Alessandro Bastoni starting.
Moreover, in attack Inzaghi has given the nod to Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram. It means Marko Arnautovic begins on the bench.
Finally, Joaquin Correa and Tomas Palacios are not part of the Inter Milan Champions League squad.
FEYENOORD (4-2-3-1): Wellenreuther; Mitchell, Beelen, Hancko, Bueno; Moder, Smal, Paixao; Hadj Moussa, Carranza, Osman.
Bench: Andreev, Ka, Ivanusec, Giersthove, Van den Elshout, Sliti, T’Zand, Ueda, Redmond, Kraaijeveld.
Coach: Van Persie.
Suspended: Read (1).
Unavailable: Bijlow, Nieuwkoop, Gonzalez, Trauner, Timber, Hwang, Zerrouki, Stengs, Nadje, Milambo.
INTER (3-5-2): Martinez; Pavard, De Vrij, Acerbi; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Zielinski, Bastoni; Thuram, Lautaro.
Bench: Sommer, Di Gennaro, Bisseck, Aidoo, Motta, Quieto, Calhanoglu, Frattesi, Mkhitaryan, Arnautovic, Taremi.
Coach: Inzaghi.
Suspended: none.
Unavailable: Carlos Augusto, Darmian, Zalewski, Dimarco.
Referee: Eskas.
Assistants: Engan and Bashevkin.
Fourth official: Kringstad.
Var: Dingert (Tiago Martins).
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