The iconic San Siro stadium in Milan is set to host a captivating Champions League encounter on Tuesday evening as Italian giants Inter Milan welcome Serbian powerhouse Red Star Belgrade. This match marks only the third competitive meeting between these two storied clubs, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already enticing fixture.
Inter Milan enter this clash with renewed confidence after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Manchester City in their Champions League opener. Simone Inzaghi’s tactical masterclass saw the Nerazzurri become just the second team to keep a clean sheet against Pep Guardiola’s City in European competition at the Etihad Stadium. This resilient performance underlines Inter’s credentials as serious contenders for this year’s trophy.
The three-time European champions boast an impressive defensive record, keeping 13 clean sheets in their last 22 Champions League matches – the most of any club since the start of the 2022-23 season. Furthermore, Inter are unbeaten in their last nine home games in the competition, their best such run since claiming the trophy in 2010.
Red Star Belgrade, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a 2-1 home defeat to Benfica on Matchday 1. The Serbian champions have struggled on their travels in the Champions League, losing all nine of their away fixtures to date. However, their domestic form has been imperious, with eight wins from nine league games this season, scoring 27 goals and conceding just five.
Lautaro Martinez has found his scoring touch domestically and will be eager to open his European account for the season. His movement and clinical finishing could prove decisive.
Meanwhile, Slovenian midfielder Timi Elsnik was a standout performer against Benfica, creating chances, dictating play, and providing defensive cover. His ability to control the tempo will be crucial if Red Star are to cause an upset.
Simone Inzaghi has shown his tactical flexibility, capable of setting up Inter to defend resolutely or attack with flair depending on the opposition. Against Red Star, expect a more proactive approach, with the wing-backs pushing high to provide width and create overloads in attacking areas.
Red Star coach Vladan Milojevic will likely set his team up to absorb pressure and hit Inter on the counter-attack. The experience of Rade Krunic in midfield, formerly of AC Milan, could prove invaluable in reading the game and disrupting Inter’s rhythm.
Team News
Inter Milan have concerns over the fitness of key midfielder Nicolo Barella, who missed the weekend’s Serie A fixture with a thigh injury. If unavailable, either Piotr Zielinski or Davide Frattesi could step in. Canadian wing-back Tajon Buchanan remains sidelined.
Red Star Belgrade travel without injured duo Ognjen Mimovic and Vladimir Lucic. In-form striker Cherif Ndiaye, fresh from a hat-trick in the Eternal Derby against Partizan Belgrade, is pushing for a starting berth.
Expected Starting XIs
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Zielinski, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Taremi, Martinez
Red Star Belgrade (4-2-3-1): Glazer; Seol, Djiga, Spajic, Rodic; Krunic, Elsnik; Silas, Ivanic, Milson; Ndiaye
Prediction
While Red Star Belgrade have been formidable domestically, their struggles in European away games are likely to continue against a well-drilled Inter side. The Nerazzurri’s experience, home advantage, and superior quality across the pitch should see them claim a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Inter Milan 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
