Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich preview
After the conclusion of the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League draw, Group C was designated as the ‘Group of Death. Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, Spanish giants Barcelona, Italian powerhouses Inter Milan and Czech side FC Viktoria Plzen comprise the group. This promises us six big games. And the first of those is Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich won their tenth-consecutive Bundesliga title last season. However, they crashed out of the Champions League after an underwhelming performance against Villareal. The Bavarians also sold their star Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona replacing him with Sadio Mane signed from Liverpool.
Bayern have also been rusty in the league, where they are third. Julian Nagelsmann’s men have drawn two matches. To make their squad better, Bayern have signed star defender Matthijs de Ligt, Ajax wunderkind Ryan Graverberch, teenage goal-scoring sensation Mathys Tel who came out of Stade Rennais’ excellent youth academy, and Noussair Mazraoui.
The German club already had a brilliant squad, and these additions have elevated the squad’s quality.
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku re-signed for Inter Milan on a season-long loan after a season of struggle at Chelsea. The Nerazzurri now have the same attacking duo which won them 2020-21 Serie A. The club have also signed Joaquín Correa, Kristjan Asllani, Raoul Bellanova, Andre Onana, Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Simone Inzaghi’s men have blown hot and cold this season and have failed to find consistency in Serie A. After losing to rivals AC Milan, the team are currently in sixth, but only two points behind leader Napoli.
In addition, the Champions League draw has also not been kind to them. However, with the return of Lukaku, Inter Milan have an added edge. If he can replicate his previous season form at Inter, they are the dark horses in Europe.
Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich team news
After losing to AC Milan, there is pressure on the team to get their season back on track. However, they face the most formidable challenge this season against the Bavarians. Bayern Munich are a ruthless side that can tear any team to shreds on their day.
The team will be without Lukaku, who is still recovering from an injury. Henrikh Mkhitaryan has also returned from his injury and made a substitute appearance in the Derby di Milano.
Predicted Inter Milan Lineup: Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Darmian; Martinez, Correa
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have played out two consecutive draws in the league against Borussia Monchengladbach and Union Berlin. Sadio Mane and Jamal Musiala have scored three goals in the league, while Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, and Joshua Kimmich have added two goals.
Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich Wednesday pic.twitter.com/KRwSz6rrxF
— Anthony 🇧🇷 (@Anthony___cj) September 3, 2022
The German side have been far from perfect and need to deliver consistent performances. Kingsley Coman was part of the insipid draw against Union Berlin and could lose his place to Serge Gnabry. However, Nagelsmann could also bring in experience over form while selecting Thomas Muller ahead of Musiala.
Predicted Bayern Munich Lineup: Neuer, Davies, De Ligt, Upamecano, Pavard, Kimmich, Goretzka, Gnabry, Sane, Muller, Mane
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Gamechangers
Inter Milan have always looked towards Lautaro Martinez. And the Argentine has not disappointed so far. The 25-year-old remains the best hope for Inzaghi against a top Bayern defence. Elsewhere, Hakan Calhanoglu and Marcelo Brozovic will be tasked with all the creative burden.
However, Inter’s defence will be under most pressure, and it will be up to Milan Skriniar to marshall the backline against one of the best attacking sides in Europe.
Lukaku ruled out of next week's Inter vs Bayern with a muscle injury https://t.co/pCT7UVor3M
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 29, 2022
On the other hand, Bayern Munich will be looking to put behind their recent performances. The Germans know they cannot afford a slip-up in such a competitive group. A solid start to their Champions League campaign will also boost confidence for their domestic league.
The side is filled with game changers, none so influential as Sadio Mane. Other players to watch out for are Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka.
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Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich predictions
Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are not in their best form at the moment. Both sides have had frustrating performances that have affected their domestic league campaigns. And this is a perfect match where one of them could return to form.
When comparing these two sides, Bayern Munich look the better side and are also in better form. In addition, the German champions also have a far superior side which could help them past their Italian rivals.
FootTheBall predicts a 2-1 win for Bayern Munich.