Manchester City vs Inter Milan Preview
- Draw or City win
- Martinez to scor
A Rematch of the 2023 Final
The UEFA Champions League (UCL) opening round kicks off with an electrifying rematch between Manchester City and Inter Milan, a repeat of the 2023 final where City clinched their first-ever UCL trophy.
Now, they aim to begin their journey towards a second title by defeating the Italian side once more.
With a remarkable 23-game unbeaten run in this competition over 90 minutes (W16, D7), City will be confident in their ability to assert their dominance once again.
Manchester City’s Strong Start and Serie A Challenges
Manchester City have begun the domestic season in scintillating form, winning all four of their opening league matches.
However, their historical head-to-head (H2H) record against Serie A teams suggests caution. City have won just five of their last 13 matches against Italian opposition (D5, L3).
That said, they have shown improvement in recent encounters, winning four of their last five games against Italian sides (D1).
Inter Milan’s Mixed Start and UCL Aspirations
Inter Milan have also made an unbeaten start to their domestic season, although their performances have been less convincing than City’s (W2, D2).
Their most recent match, a 1-1 draw against Monza, was a slight setback, but it did see key defender Stefan de Vrij make his return from injury, strengthening Simone Inzaghi’s squad.
Inter have been strong in the UCL, losing just three of their past 20 encounters in the competition (W11, D6).
The Nerazzurri have the chance to make history if they secure a win at the Etihad. A victory would see Inter join the elite group of European giants—Barcelona (7), Real Madrid (5), and Bayern Munich (5)—as the only teams to win away at five different English clubs in the UCL. Their most recent success on English soil was a 1-0 win against Liverpool in March 2022.
Key Players to Watch
Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri was the hero in the 2023 UCL final between these two sides, scoring the decisive goal. He has an impressive record of not losing any of the nine games in which he has found the net since that final (W7, D2). His presence in midfield will be crucial for City both defensively and offensively.
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Martínez has had a slow start to the season by his standards, yet to find the net in the current campaign.
However, his ability to score crucial late goals was evident last season, as he struck in two of Inter’s last four away UCL matches, both goals coming after the 80th minute. His knack for scoring important goals could make him a pivotal figure in this encounter.
Manchester City’s Dominance and Serie A Caution
- Unbeaten run in the UCL over 90 minutes: 23 games (W16, D7).
- Record against Serie A teams: W5, D5, L3 in the last 13 matches.
- Recent improvement: Four wins in the last five matches against Italian opposition (D1).
Inter Milan’s European and Domestic Form
- Recent UCL form: Just three losses in their last 20 UCL matches (W11, D6).
- Chance to join elite group: Could become the fourth team to win away at five different English teams in the UCL.
- Last win in England: 1-0 against Liverpool in March 2022.
Conclusion
Manchester City will look to continue their excellent form and extend their UCL unbeaten streak with a win against Inter Milan.
The Italian side, however, will be eager to redeem themselves after last season’s final defeat and make a strong statement by securing a historic win at the Etihad. With both teams boasting strong squads and tactical nous, this rematch promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Prediction: Manchester City edged out a narrow victory, but Inter Milan’s resilience and history of performing in big away games suggest it could be a closely contested match.
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