Prediction: Inter Milan vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet

In what could be a mouth-watering affair on Wednesday night, Inter Milan will welcome Spanish giants Real Madrid to the San Siro when this year’s Champions League gets underway.

Inter Milan

Starting with the hosts, after taking the lead twice away at Sampdoria over the weekend, there is no doubt that Inter Milan would have been disappointed to have eventually settled for a 2-2 draw. Missing out on the chance to extend on their 100% start to the new Serie A campaign and dropping their first points of the season, new boss Simone Inzaghi has still been filled with praise for his side’s recent performances. Making the decision to bring in the former Lazio coach to replace Antonio Conte over the summer, the defending Italian champions have caught the eye with their performances in the final third. Despite also watching Romelu Lukaku make the move back to Chelsea last month, Inter have already bagged themselves nine goals in just their opening three Serie A matchups. If Wednesday’s hosts are to pick up what would be a notable scalp at the San Siro, then Inzaghi will be calling on Lautaro Martinez to spearhead their charge. Continuing on from his success at this summer’s Copa America, the Argentina ace has has five goals in his last seven outings.

Team News

Suffering a thigh injury while away on international duties with Italy, defender Alessandro Bastoni is unlikely to feature on Wednesday night.

Expected to name a similar side that saw them draw 2-2 daw against Sampdoria over the weekend, Edin Dzeko should partner Lautaro Martinez up top.

Real Madrid

As for the visitors, while Real Madrid might have found themselves in the midst of a real transition over the summer, Los Blancos have opened the 2021/22 campaign enjoying an eye-catching run. Making the decision to bring back former boss Carlo Ancelotti in what many thought was a shock move, the Whites were last seen over the weekend picking up some perfect momentum. Involved in what turned out to be a real thriller in the Spanish capital, Madrid landed an action-packed 5-2 win against Celta Vigo on home soil. Opening the new La Liga season with 10 points from their opening four contests, they really have their sights set on trying to reclaim their domestic crown this time around. With a stunning 3-3 draw against Levante last month the only minor blip on their record, the former Everton boss should also be boosted by their most recent meetings against the Nerazzurri. When the two sides met in the group stage last season, Madrid picked up back-to-back victories, including a 2-0 win at the San Siro.

Team News

Left with a bit of an injury headache, Real Madrid could be without the likes of Gareth Bale, David Alaba, Toni Kroos, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy and midfielder Dani Ceballos.

However, scoring on his Real Madrid debut over the weekend, summer arrival Eduardo Camavinga should retain his spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off in last year’s Champions League, Real Madrid picked up back-to-back wins, including a 2-0 victory at the San Siro.
• Inter Milan have opened the 2021/22 Serie A campaign with nine goals from their first three contests.
• Likewise, Los Blancos have scored over 2.5 goals in three of their opening four domestic matchups.
• Continuing on from his run at this summer’s Copa America, Lautaro Martinez has has five goals in his last seven outings for club and country.
• Inter Milan have managed to win just one of their last eight Champions League contests on home soil.

Conclusion

On paper, we could have quite the affair when this year’s Champions League gets underway at the San Siro. While Inter Milan might have had to settle for a 2-2 draw away at Sampdoria over the weekend, despite taking the lead twice, the Italian champions have still impressed under new boss Simone Inzaghi. Already bagging nine goals from their opening three Serie A matchups, don’t be surprised to see chances come thick and fast here. Likewise, landing themselves an action-packed 5-2 win against Celta Vigo on home soil, Real Madrid are another heavyweight who have gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. With the two sides producing fireworks when they faced off last season, we’re backing chances at both ends.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet