In a highly anticipated Champions League clash, Inter Milan is set to face Kairat at the iconic San Siro Stadium. This matchup marks the first official encounter between teams from Italy and Kazakhstan, with the stakes high for both sides.
Current Form and Statistics
Inter Milan aims to extend their impressive Champions League performance, having won nine of their last ten matches. They currently lead their group, with convincing victories over Ajax, Slavia Prague, and Union Saint-Gilloise. The Italian club has established itself as a formidable contender, boasting a streak of clean sheets, having not conceded in three league-phase matches.
- Inter Milan Champions League record: W W W
- Inter Milan overall form: W W W L W W
- Kairat Champions League record: L L D
- Kairat overall form: W L W W D D
Led by star striker Lautaro Martinez, Inter has scored at least twice in ten of their last eleven Champions League outings. Despite their domestic league struggles, they remain a dominant force in Europe, particularly at home, where they are unbeaten in their last 17 Champions League matches.
Kairat’s Recent Performance
Kairat enters the match aiming to improve their European standing. They recently secured the Kazakhstan Premier League title but have struggled in the Champions League. After narrowly escaping elimination against Celtic in the qualifiers, they faced tough defeats against Sporting Lisbon and Real Madrid, followed by a goalless draw against Pafos.
With no victories in their last six Champions League games, Kairat must elevate their performance to challenge a top-tier team like Inter Milan effectively.
Team News
Coach Cristian Chivu of Inter Milan may choose to rotate his squad, given the dense fixture schedule. Key players such as Nicolo Barella and Federico Dimarco were rested in the last league match but could return for this encounter. Lautaro Martinez looks set to start, with the potential for Marcus Thuram to feature as well.
Kairat will be without forwards Joao Paulo and Elder Santana, both sidelined with long-term injuries. Dastan Satpaev is expected to lead their attack, supported by playmaker Jorginho.
Predicted Lineups
| Inter Milan | Kairat |
|---|---|
| Sommer | Anarbekov |
| Bisseck, Akanji, Augusto | Tapalov, Martynovich, Sorokin, Mata |
| Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco | Glazer, Arad, Mrynskiy, Jorginho, Gromyko |
| Martinez, Esposito | Satpaev |
Match Prediction
Given their recent performances and home advantage, Inter Milan is favored to win convincingly against Kairat. Analysts predict a scoreline of approximately 4-0 in favor of the Nerazzurri, reflecting the significant gap in experience and form between the two clubs. As the match approaches, fans eagerly await the action in Milan.
