Overview
Inter Milan, the team that has been runner-up twice in the Champions League in this decade in 2023 and 2025, started the current season almost perfectly in the European arena. They have won all four first legs and conceded only one goal.
However, coach Cristian Chivu's team lost their invincible image after two consecutive defeats against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. Notably, Liverpool shocked at San Siro when they won thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai's only penalty.
The defeat to the Premier League champion not only ended Inter's 18-match unbeaten streak at home in the Champions League, but also pushed Nerazzurri to the risk of losing 3 consecutive matches in the group stage for the first time in history.
Since the stumble against Liverpool, Inter quickly regained stability with a record of 6 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in the last 8 matches in all competitions. Last weekend, they continued to maintain their form with a minimal 1-0 victory over Udinese in Serie A, thanks to captain Lautaro Martinez's goal.
The blue and black team has won five of their last six rounds in Serie A, thereby consolidating the top spot against AC Milan and defending champion Napoli. It is not surprising that Inter has kept a clean sheet in 4 matches in their last 6 appearances.
The upcoming confrontation is considered a showdown between the two best defenses of the tournament. Inter has only conceded 4 goals in the Champions League this season, only one goal less than Arsenal - the team that only conceded one goal.
Arsenal's only goal conceded came in a convincing victory over Bayern Munich, before the easy 3-0 victory over Club Brugge helped Mikel Arteta's team consolidate their position.
Avoiding the play-off round is particularly important for a team that is fighting on four fronts. Although victory in this round is not decisive, another triumphal victory will help Arsenal set a record of 7 consecutive wins - their longest winning streak in UEFA-organized tournaments.
However, the "Gunners"' form is showing signs of stagnation in the Premier League. 2 consecutive goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest have caused Arsenal to end their 14-game away scoring streak in all competitions.
Personnel situation
Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu will have to enter the match without two important pillars, Hakan Calhanoglu, who suffered a calf injury, and Denzel Dumfries with an ankle problem. Both are not expected to recover in time for the reception of Arsenal.
Reserve goalkeeper Josep Martinez (leg injury) may be considered for a bench spot in this match. However, Raffaele Di Gennaro (hand injury) and Tomas Palacios (buttock injury) continue to be absent from the home team.
On the other side, Mikel Merino, Christian Norgaard and Declan Rice are all facing the risk of being suspended from the European arena if they receive another yellow card.
Arteta needs to calculate carefully in the context that Max Dowman (ankle), Piero Hincapie (muscle) and Riccardo Calafiori (muscle) cannot return in the next few weeks.
Expected lineup:
Inter Milan: Sommer, Acerbi, Akanji, Bastoni, Henrique, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Zielinski, Dimarco, Thuram, Martinez.
Raya, White, Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Eze, Zubimendi, Merino, Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli.
The match between Inter Milan and Arsenal takes place at 3:00 AM on January 21 (Vietnam time).
