Barcelona are fresh off the back of a spirited Copa Del Rey final comeback against Real Madrid, and Hansi Flick’s formidable squad look primed and ready to continue their journey for a European treble. However, Inter Milan stand between them and the Champions League final, and with the most set piece goals in Serie A, it could play a vital role in unlocking Barcelona’s frailties.
Barcelona vs Inter Milan Preview
A midweek trip to Barcelona could scarcely come at a worse moment for Inter Milan, whose end-of-season momentum is waning fast.
A spectacular capitulation in the Coppa Italia final four saw them crash out to city rivals AC Milan, before slipping three points behind new Serie A leaders Napoli after a bruising defeat at home to Roma last time out, despite having 70 percent possession.
These results also come after losing to Bologna last week, meaning they have fallen defeat in their last three in all competitions.
The tantalising prospect of a Serie A title playoff just got a little more remote after Inter’s slip-up, but they will no doubt view their upcoming Champions League semi-final as an opportunity to reignite their season ambitions.
They come up against an intoxicating Barcelona, who clinched their first major trophy of the season after an extra-time marathon against Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey.
The Inter faithful will quietly be hoping that taxing tie will leave the Blaugrana jaded ahead of Wednesday’s first leg clash, but one of Flick’s most redeeming qualities is managing minutes.
The same can not be said for Inter, who cut a weary, spent side in the Coppa Italia, and followed that up with a feeble attempt to keep their Serie A title defence afloat.
Inter Milan’s Last Five Results
- Inter 0 – 1 Roma
- Inter 0 – 3 Milan
- Bologna 1 – 0 Inter
- Inter 2 – 2 Bayern
- Inter 3 – 1 Cagliari
Barcelona’s Last Five Results
- Barcelona 3 – 2 Real Madrid
- Barcelona 1 – 0 Mallorca
- Barcelona 4 – 3 Celta Vigo
- Borussia Dortmund 3 – 1 Barcelona
- Leganes 0 – 1 Barcelona
It isn’t all doom and gloom for the Nerrazzurri however, with recent history showing them to be resilient in the face of difficult moments.
Although Barcelona are expected to rack up the lion’s share of chances and possession, there is one area in particular where Inter can hurt them.
Inter Have the Most Set Piece Goals in Serie A This Season
Behind only to Atalanta, Inter have the most open play goals in Serie A this season, and as we witnessed with several spectacular goals against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, they have more than enough creativity and firepower to damage a high-pressing Barcelona side.
However, there is one notable area where the La Liga leaders have been vulnerable in recent games, which also happens to fall perfectly into Inter’s lap.
Across Barcelona’s previous six games, they have conceded three goals from corners.
It is a strange upturn in set piece goals conceded given they have been notably strong in that area all season, but for Simone Inzaghi and Inter, it could be a direct route to goal.
Not only are Inter near the top for open play goals in Italy, but they also top the charts for goals scored from set pieces.
Inter’s team is far more physical and largely have a height advantage beyond Barca’s centre-backs.
Barcelona vs Inter Milan Team News
Inter Milan received worrying news in regards to Benjamin Pavard’s injury, who limped off against Roma and could miss this first leg.
Fortunately for manager Simone Inzaghi, Inter welcomed back Denzel Dumfries against Roma, who had been a stand out performer this season prior to his thigh injury.
Elsewhere, striker Marcus Thuram is reportedly set to travel with the squad, but this fixture could come too soon on his road to recovery.
Inter Milan Predicted Lineup
Sommer; Dumfries, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Taremi
As for Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski is the notable absentee for this tie, along with Marc Andre Der Stegen.
Alejandro Balde faces a race against time to prove his fitness, although he likely won’t be thrust into a fixture of this magnitude soon after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup
Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
Barcelona vs Inter Milan Head-to-Head and Recent History
Barcelona vs Inter Milan Last Five Meetings
- Barcelona 3 – 3 Inter (2022-23 Group Stage)
- Inter 1 – 0 Barcelona (2022-23 Group Stage)
- Inter 1 – 2 Barcelona (2019-20 Group Stage)
- Barcelona 2 – 1 Inter (2019-20 Group Stage)
- Inter 1 – 1 Barcelona (2018-19 Group Stage)
