Champions League

How Inter Milan could line up against AC Milan

By Jonathan O'Shea | 08 May 2023

Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Inter Milan could line up for Wednesday's Champions League clash with city rivals AC Milan.

Ahead of the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie with city rivals AC Milan on Wednesday, Inter Milan have strung together five straight wins despite indulging in some squad rotation.

Primarily up front in the Nerazzurri's 3-5-2 formation, coach Simone Inzaghi has shuffled his resources more than usual, but having left both Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko on the bench against Roma at the weekend, the pair could again be promoted in tandem.

The recent revival of Romelu Lukaku, though, may cause Inzaghi to alter his plans in that regard, as while Joaquin Correa is almost certain to make way, the Belgian striker could beat Dzeko to selection and reprise his 'Lu-La' partnership with Martinez.

A confirmed Inzaghi favourite, Henrikh Mkhitaryan was also among the substitutes for Saturday's game against his former club, but he is expected to beat either Marcelo Brozovic or ex-Milan man Hakan Calhanoglu - who scored a stunning against Hellas Verona last week - to a start in central midfield.

Nicolo Barella will join them, while Denzel Dumfries features on the right flank and Federico Dimarco on the left.

Alternatives to the latter pair are thin on the ground, as Matteo Darmian is likely to be part of the back three in Milan Skriniar's continued absence and Dimarco's main competition, Robin Gosens, is still making his way back from a dislocated shoulder.

In better news for Inzaghi, Danilo D'Ambrosio should return to the Inter squad after recovering from a muscular problem; providing an experienced back-up for several defensive positions.

Inter Milan possible starting lineup: Onana; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Dzeko

> Click here to see how Milan could line up for this contest