Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has decided to start Nicolo Barella and Marcus Thuram at home against Monaco. This evening’s Champions League Match Day 8 kicks off at 21.00 CET.
Inter are looking to secure a top-four finish after beating Sparta Prague 1-0 on the road in the previous round.
The Nerazzurri played a goalless draw against Manchester City in the opening round of the Champions League.
However, they had since won four consecutive league-phase games without conceding before losing at Bayer Leverkusen. Moreover, Inter Milan just thrashed Lecce 4-0 last Saturday in the Serie A.
Furthermore, with games every three days, the Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi has often rotated the squad.
But that won’t necessarily be the case tonight, considering the stakes are high. Indeed, Inter must take three points to lock down a place in the top four.
Nicolo Barella & Marcus Thuram Start For Inter Milan Vs Monaco
Firstly, in defense, injury has forced Inzaghi’s hand. Center-back Francesco Acerbi is absent due to a muscle strain he suffered against Hellas Verona in November.
Therefore, Dutch veteran Stefan de Vrij starts in his place.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 05, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)Secondly, Benjamin Pavard and Alessandro Bastoni 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 injured Hakan Calhanoglu.
Furthermore, Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan start in the middle of the park. Therefore, Davide Frattesi and Piotr Zielinski have been benched.
In goal, meanwhile, Yann Sommer keeps his starting spot.
And on the flanks, there are no changes. In-form Denzel Dumfries starts at right-wingback, with former Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian benched.
Carlos Augusto is benched with Federico Dimarco starting.
Furthermore, in attack Inzaghi has given the nod to Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram. It means Marko Arnautovic begins on the bench.
Aside from Calhanoglu and Acerbi being out, Inter have no other injury concerns.
Finally, Joaquin Correa and Tomas Palacios are not part of the Inter Milan Champions League squad.
Official Starting Lineups: Inter Milan vs Monaco
INTER (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro.
Bench: Martinez, Calligaris, Bisseck, Darmian, Carlos Augusto, Buchanan, Zielinski, Frattesi, Arnautovic, De Pieri.
Coach: Inzaghi.
Suspended: none.
Unavailable: Di Gennaro, Calhanoglu, Acerbi, Taremi.
MONACO (4-2-3-1): Majecki; Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Mawissa; Zakaria, Camara; Akliouche, Minamino, Golovin, Embolo.
Bench: Köhn, Lienard, Teze, Caio Henrique, Ouattara, Magassa, Diop, Ben Seghir;, Bouabré, Diatta, Michal.
Coach: Hütter.
Suspended: none.
Unavailable: Balogun, Singo, Ilenikhena.
Referee: Irfan Peljto.
Assistants: Davro Beljo and Senad Ibrisimbegovic.
Fourth official: Milos Gigovic.
Var: Bastian Dankert assisted by Piotr Lasyk.
For Inter Milan, exciting young talent Marcus Thuram has been given the nod to start, alongside midfield maestro Nicolo Barella. The duo will be looking to make an impact and help their team secure a crucial victory.
On the other side, Monaco will be fielding a strong lineup as well, with their own set of talented players ready to showcase their skills on the pitch.
It promises to be an exciting and intense match between two top European clubs, and fans can expect a thrilling encounter with plenty of action. Stay tuned for updates and analysis as the game unfolds.
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