After Milan’s and Roma’s eliminations from Europe’s top flight competition, the peninsula looks solely to the nerazzurri to fly the Italian flag. The club finds itself in the same position as its crosstown rivals did against the Spurs, going into the second leg with a 1-0 home loss to overcome.
Bayern Munich will not be an easy opponent if this past weekend is any indication, as they thumped Hamburger SV 6-0 at home. Inter themselves tied Brescia away, but have overall been on the rise under Leonardo. The team have more than enough talent to get the job done, but only a win by two goals will see them progress.
Coach Leo thinks that it’s Inter’s team spirit that can push them to victory:
“I’m optimistic because I know the strength and spirit of this group of Inter players. The first leg could have ended with a different result, therefore there would be no surprise if Inter won.
Bayern, of course, just need a 0-0 but the game won’t end that way. How will we play? You always have to look at how a game plays out. Bayern have played in the same way and with the same players recently. But we are ready and optimistic.”
Former Bayern stopper Lucio is a doubt and Leonardo was giving little away with regard to his recovery.“We’ll evaluate the players, both on a physical and mental level, between now and tomorrow,” he stated. “In the Champions League what matters is right now along with all the particulars.”
Lucio’s absence will be a bit loss for the side, as he was a standout last season in the same competition, shutting down the likes of Didier Drogba. However the Brazilian has been called up, as well as Thiago Motta, Esteban Cambiasso, and Cristian Chivu, none of whom are 100% fit. Diego Milito, Walter Samuel, and David Suazo have been left at home with injuries.
Probable Lineups, as per Goal.com:
Bayern Munich: Kraft; Lahm, Gustavo, Badstuber, Pranjic; Ribery, Tymoshchuk, Schweinsteiger, Robben; Mueller, Gomez
Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Ranocchia, Chivu; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Stankovic; Sneijder; Pandev, Eto’o
Eto is going to need to have yet another fantastic game for Inter should they progress. It’ll also be interesting to see how Andrea Ranocchia stands up in his first massive away fixture in Europe. If his recent form is any indication, he should do absolutely brilliantly. Arjen Robben is certainly the one to watch out for from Bayern. The winger was absolutely sensational last year not only in the Bundesliga but also in the Champions’ League, scoring a wonder-goal against Manchester United.
Of course, Bayern do have the upper hand as Leo noted- they merely have to not lose by two in order to progress. Inter however have beaten this side by two very recently (this past May)- albeit not in Germany.
The game will begin at 3:45 PM EST.
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