Inter Milan vs Leverkusen
Europa League
Date: Monday, 10 August 2020
Kick-off at 20:00 UK/ 21:00 CET
Venue: Merkur Spiel-Arena.
Match preview
Inter may have finished only one point behind champions Juventus in Serie A, but Conte has made it known that he was not entirely pleased with the financial support he received.
Tension seems to build up behind the scenes and there is talk ahead of the one-legged tie with Getafe that former Chelsea boss may be running this summer.
Rumors have been put to one side for the moment, although it is clear that there is pressure on Inter - the favorite of many - to go all the way and lift the trophy on August 21.
Nerazzurri far from their best against Getafe on Wednesday, but goals from Romelu Lukaku and Christian Eriksen saw them take a 2-0 victory against a Spanish side.
It does not tell the whole story, though, as Samir Handanovic kept busy early and Jorge Molina missed a penalty in the second half with the score 1-0.
Regardless of the circumstances, the quality of Inter said in the end and they are now on their first European quarter-final since the 2010-11 Champions League.
They lost on aggregate to Schalke 04 that year and has not yet reached the semi-finals of Europe since 2010 - the year they went on to win the UEFA flagship competition.
Inter will bring a lot of momentum in this clash with Leverkusen, too, because now won four in a row in all competitions and went nine games without defeat.
Leverkusen form of end-of-season has been a bit patchy, by comparison, with Peter Bosz's side failed to win back-to-back games since before the lockdown.
They finished the Bundesliga season in fifth position, which means that they will only qualify for next season's Champions League by going all the way in the Europa League.
Die Werkself also lost 4-2 to Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal final, though they were soon put that defeat behind them in overcoming the Rangers 1-0 on Thursday to seal a 4-1 aggregate victory.
Leverkusen This will be the first European quarter-final since the 2007-08 UEFA Cup, while they have not reached the semi-finals since 2002 when they lost in the final of the Champions League.
Inter Milan v Bayern Leverkusen Team News
Inter Milan
From the side which beat Getafe 2-0 on Wednesday, Conte is unlikely to change too much for Inter Milan. Lautaro Martinez is expected to continue as this Lukaku partner upfront, even as Alexis Sanchez made a permanent move to Inter last week.
The purpose of this Eriksen might have strengthened the case for a spot start against Leverkusen. But with Roberto Gagliardini and Nicolo Barella has a strong understanding with Marcelo Brozović in the middle of the park, it is unlikely that Conte will shift personnel around.
Inter also have enough time between the two games, due to fatigue for not being a huge factor to influence team selection.
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Samir Handanovic; Diego Godin, Stefan de Vrij, Alessandro Bastoni; Danilo D'Ambrossio, Marcelo Brozović, Nicolo Barella, Roberto Gagliardini, Ashley Young; Lautaro Martinez, Romelu Lukaku
Bayer Leverkusen
Bosz rested the likes of Bailey and Tah's game against the Rangers this week, with young Florian Wirtz began in the advanced midfield role.
Wirtz is unlikely to start this one, with Bailey set to return. It is entirely possible that Havertz will be playing in a more central role, just behind striker Kevin Volland. At the rear, Sven Bender and Edmond Tapsoba will be expected to continue their partnership, with Tah was left on the bench.
Like Inter, Leverkusen do not really have a problem with injuries or suspensions, with Bosz have a fit squad to choose from.
Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Lukas Hradecky; Lars Bender, Sven Bender, Edmond Tapsoba, Wendell; Charles Aránguiz, Exequiel Palacios; Leon Bailey, Kai Havertz, Moussa Diaby; Kevin Volland
Inter Milan vs Leverkusen: Predictions
Italy beat Getafe in the last 16 with a 2-0 scorecard, while Germany registered a 4-1 aggregate scoreline against Rangers.
As things stand, the Nerazzurri have the upper hand. They were in a four-match winning run, and nine games unbeaten. In addition, they are also unbeaten in 14 of 15 overall equipment before, and they had almost knocked off perch Juventus from the top table of Serie A.
On the other hand, Peter Bosz man could not even finish in the top four of the Bundesliga, and without a win in five games overall last ten of them.
Most importantly, they have lost 100% record against these opponents, and have conceded two or more goals in every single meeting like this so far.
Taking these observations into account, hoping Inter Milan to eliminate Leverkusen Europa Monday.
Inter Milan vs Leverkusen: Betting Tips
Draw No Bet: Inter Milan @ 1.60 (3/5)
Inter Milan to Win Either Half @ 1.67 (2/3).
