Inter Milan welcome Liverpool to the San Siro in the first leg of a blockbuster Round of 16 tie in 2021-22 UEFA Champions League.
Inter qualified for this stage as Group D runner-up whilst Liverpool advanced as Group B winners, which in turn meant that Jurgen Klopp’s Reds will host the second leg of this tie at home next month.
Team News
Inter Milan have no fresh injury concerns to report as Alessandro Bastoni is a doubt with an ankle injury which forced him to miss Saturday’s Serie A draw against Napoli.
Robin Gosens and Joaquin Correa (both hamstring) remain ruled out, whilst Nicolo Barella is suspended for this match.
Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns to report with Joe Gomez chasing a start after being rested in Sunday’s domestic win at Burnley, despite having recovered from illness.
Divock Origi (knee) is also expected to be in contention after missing the trip to Turf Moor, whilst Luis Diaz is available despite previously playing for Porto in this competition this season.
Jordan Henderson could be rested after picking up a knock at Burnley.
Stat Attack
- Inter Milan have lost three of their four previous meetings against Liverpool in this competition – including under the former name of ‘European Cup’ (W1, L3).
- Liverpool have won just one of two previous visits to Inter Milan (W1, L1), during which they scored once and conceded three goals.
- This is Liverpool’s second visit to the San Siro this season, having beaten AC Milan 2-1 in Group Stage in December 2021.
- Inter conceded twice in two of their three home matches in the Group Stage (W2, L1).
- Mohamed Salah scored five of Liverpool’s ten away goals in the Group Stage.
Prediction
Inter Milan were certainly made to work for their comeback 1-1 draw at Napoli on Saturday but at home, they have kept just one clean sheet in five home game since 2022 arrived so aren’t entirely resilient which will be a worry against Liverpool’s fearsome attacking front three.
Liverpool meanwhile come into this match off the back of a clinical away win at Burnley, where they were certainly made to work for the victory with strong if scrappy defending and well-timed finishing but I would expect some changes here.
My only concern about the visitors is that their defence seem too slow in beginning their runs when caught out on swift attacks, which is something which Inter needs to capitalise on otherwise I can see an away win coming here if Liverpool are at their clinical best.
Prediction: Inter Milan 1-2 Liverpool
Result: Inter Milan 0-2 Liverpool
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