Inter Milan vs FC Porto Predictions & Match Preview
Inter will face Porto in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 at their home ground, the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
The Nerazzurri come into the game on the back of a 3-1 victory over Udinese and are considered favorites to win the match on Tuesday.
Lautaro Martinez is expected to return to the starting lineup, with Correa and Dalbert being the only absentees.
Porto, who are on a ten-game winning streak in all competitions, face a tough challenge in Milano.
Inter has a strong home record at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, and they are in good form this month. Hence, a home win is expected.
Evanilson and Otavio are unavailable due to injuries for the visitors, while Gabriel Veron, Uribe, and Cardoso are doubtful to feature. In their last meeting at the Meazza in 2005, Inter secured a 2-1 victory over Porto.
Team News:
Inter’s coach Inzaghi is likely to have almost his full squad available for the visit of Porto, except for Joaquin Correa who is still recovering from a thigh injury.
However, Inzaghi faces a tough decision in selecting his attackers, with Martinez returning to the two-man strikeforce alongside a resurgent Lukaku, who may get the nod ahead of Dzeko, despite the latter’s impressive performance in the group stage.
Additionally, Hakan Calhanoglu, Milan Skriniar, and goalkeeper Andre Onana are expected to return after being rested over the weekend, which could mean Matteo Darmian, Mkhitaryan, and veteran goalkeeper Samir Handanovic may have to sit out.
On the other hand, Porto’s manager Conceicao is grappling with a few injuries ahead of the trip to Italy.
Evanilson, Fabio Cardoso, Gabriel Veron, and Francisco Meixedo are all expected to miss out, while Mateus Uribe and Galeno’s fitness will need to be assessed.
Furthermore, Martinez, who scored the winning goal over the weekend, had to be replaced due to an injury, and the severity of the issue is unclear.
Danny Namaso may be on standby, while the experienced duo of Pepe – the 39-year-old centre-back – and 25-year-old attacker are set to start.
