As the Champions League group stage reaches its midway point, Young Boys prepare to host Inter Milan at the Stadion Wankdorf on Wednesday evening. The match presents a stark contrast between the two sides’ fortunes in the competition so far, with Inter unbeaten and Young Boys still searching for their first point.
Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan have made an impressive start to their Champions League campaign, collecting four points from their opening two matches without conceding a goal. A commendable draw at Manchester City was followed by a convincing 4-0 victory over Red Star Belgrade at San Siro.
The Nerazzurri’s European form is built on a solid defensive foundation. Since beginning their Champions League journey under Inzaghi in 2021, Inter have kept more clean sheets than any other club in the competition, including four in their last five outings.
Inter’s domestic form has also been strong, with just one defeat in ten matches across all competitions this season. They enter this fixture on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Roma in Serie A, courtesy of a Lautaro Martinez strike.
In stark contrast, Young Boys have endured a nightmare start to their Champions League campaign. The Swiss champions have lost both of their opening fixtures, conceding eight goals in the process. A humbling 3-0 home defeat to Aston Villa was followed by a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Barcelona at Montjuic.
These European struggles have been mirrored in their domestic form, with Young Boys winning just two of their first ten Swiss Super League matches. This poor run of results led to the dismissal of manager Patrick Rahmen, with Under-21s coach Joel Magnin stepping in on an interim basis.
For Inter, all eyes will be on captain Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine striker is on the verge of becoming Inter’s all-time non-Italian top scorer and is just one goal shy of Adriano’s record as the club’s leading Champions League marksman.
Young Boys will look to Joel Monteiro for inspiration. The Swiss winger has been their most productive player this season and was on the scoresheet in their recent 2-1 victory over Luzern.
Inter’s approach is likely to be cautious but effective. Inzaghi’s side have proven adept at establishing a lead before shutting up shop, a tactic that could prove crucial with a big Serie A clash against Juventus looming at the weekend.
Young Boys, under new management, may look to adopt a more aggressive approach in an attempt to kickstart their European campaign. However, they will need to be wary of Inter’s potent counter-attacking threat.
This match marks the first competitive meeting between Young Boys and Inter Milan. However, the Swiss side’s record against Italian opposition in the Champions League does not bode well, having lost all four of their previous encounters.
Team News
Inter may be without key midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who was withdrawn with an apparent muscular injury in the weekend’s match against Roma. Francesco Acerbi is also a doubt. Simone Inzaghi may rotate his forward line, with Mehdi Taremi or Marko Arnautovic potentially starting alongside Martinez.
Young Boys have several injury concerns, with Saidy Janko, Patric Pfeiffer, and Tanguy Zoukrou all ruled out. Interim manager Joel Magnin may make further changes to the side that defeated Luzern at the weekend.
Expected Starting XIs
Young Boys: Van Ballmoos; Athekame, Camara, Benito, Hadjam; Niasse, Lakomy; Monteiro, Ugrinic, Colley; Itten
Inter: Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Frattesi, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Taremi
Match Prediction
Given Inter’s strong defensive record in Europe and Young Boys’ struggles both domestically and in the Champions League, the Italian side enter the match as clear favorites. While Young Boys will hope home advantage can inspire an improved performance, Inter’s quality and experience should see them through.
Prediction: Young Boys 0-2 Inter Milan
