A draw is all Inter need to secure a direct spot in the knockouts, but the reigning Serie A champions will aim for nothing less than a win to boost morale after their recent Supercoppa Italiana heartbreak against AC Milan. AS Monaco, fresh off a confidence-boosting victory over Aston Villa, promises to be no pushover.
Inter have been a mixed bag this season under Simone Inzaghi, while Philippe Clement’s Monaco have been quietly building momentum with a balanced and disciplined approach.
Inter’s Lautaro Martinez, or how you’d call him El Toro, usually has been a force to be reckoned with in front of the goal for the Nerazzurri. He has already provided 11 goals and three assists this season.
In 22 games this season, Golovin has contributed towards the team’s four goals. Now, don’t start judging him by that because his role extends beyond just those stats. He threads passes, makes runs, and even knows how to unlock that goalscoring self of his.
Inter Milan have just conceded one goal while Monaco have conceded 10 in the UCL. Both teams are coming on the back of a loss and a win in their last two UCL games. The sides have just faced each other once before.
Inter face a few key concerns heading into this must-win clash. Francesco Acerbi is doubtful due to physical discomfort, which could leave a hole in their defensive lineup.
Hakan Calhanoglu, a crucial creative force in midfield, is sidelined with a muscle injury and is expected back in early February. Backup goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro is also unavailable, nursing a finger injury until mid-February.
Monaco are not without its challenges either. Folarin Balogun, one of their top attacking threats, is ruled out with a shoulder injury until mid-February while promising talent George Ilenikhena will miss out due to a groin injury.
Additionally, Wilfried Singo’s hamstring issue leaves a gap in their defensive ranks. Both teams will need to rely on their squad depth as they prepare for this high-stakes encounter.
