Overview
After losing to AC Milan in the Milan derby, Inter found their winning spirit again when they defeated Udinese 3-2. Striker Lautaro Martinez broke a streak of 5 consecutive goalscoring matches to open his "account" this season with a double, thereby helping coach Simone Inzaghi's team to win all 3 points.
The Argentine striker's return to scoring is a positive sign for the Nerazzurri. Inter also have an excellent Marcus Thuram since the beginning of the season with 4 goals and 1 assist after 7 matches. Therefore, if this pair are in good form, the attack of the Giuseppe Meazza team promises to be worth watching.
Meanwhile, Crvena Zvezda are still dominating the Serbian national championship with 9 unbeaten matches (8 wins, 1 draw). They are sitting comfortably at the top of the rankings. However, in the opening match of this season's Champions League, coach Vladan Milojevic's team lost 1-2 to Benfica. Furthermore, they have lost 8 consecutive away matches in the European arena.
Having to face Crvena Zvezda, Inter will have a great chance to claim their first win in the Champions League after a goalless draw with Man City on the opening day. The Nerazzurri usually have good results when facing representatives from Serbia, with a record of 6 wins and 2 draws after 8 matches. Therefore, Inter Milan is likely to win all 3 points.
The last time the two teams met was in 1981 in the European Cup, when, after a 1-1 draw in Milan, Inter narrowly won 1-0 in Belgrade.
Human resources situation
Nicolo Barella's fitness is the biggest concern for the home side, having picked up a thigh injury last weekend.
If the Italian midfielder does not recover in time, Piotr Zielinski or Davide Frattesi will replace him. Meanwhile, full-back Tajon Buchanan will definitely be absent.
On the other side of the front line, Crvena Zvezda will travel to Italy without Ognjen Mimovic and Vladimir Lucic due to long-term injuries.
Expected lineup:
Inter Milan: Sommer, Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Zielinski, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Taremi, Martinez.
Crvena Zvezda: Glazer, Seol, Djiga, Spajic, Rodic, Krunic, Elsnik, Silas, Ivanic, Milson, Ndiaye.
The match between Inter Milan and Crvena Zvezda takes place at 2:00 a.m. on October 2 (Vietnam time).
