Inter vs Slavia Praha

Inter return to European action with a fascinating clash against Slavia Praha at the San Siro following the reassuring 2-0 win over Cagliari at the weekend. This will be just the third meeting between the two clubs in continental competition, with both previous encounters coming in the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League group stage. Inter were held 1-1 at home in the first match before bouncing back with a 3-1 win in Prague. Inter come into this tie with confidence after beating Ajax, 2-0, on the road in their opening match of the campaign. That result marked a strong start under Cristian Chivu, who is seeking to become just the fourth Inter manager to win his first two Champions League games in charge. Luciano Spalletti, Claudio Ranieri, and Roberto Mancini are the only names on that list so far, placing Chivu in prestigious company should he achieve it. The San Siro atmosphere should give Inter an additional boost. Inter have won their last four games against sides from Czechia in the UEFA Champions League by an aggregate score of 10-1, while keeping a clean sheet in each of the last three. They would be hoping to extend that record on Tuesday when they take on Slavia Praha. Lautaro Martínez was on target in Inter’s 2-0 win over Cagliari on Saturday and is expected to keep his place in attack alongside Marcus Thuram when Chivu deploys the 3—5—2 formation.

Slavia have historically struggled when visiting Italian sides in major European tournaments. In fact, they have lost seven of their eight such away trips, managing only a single draw. Coincidentally, that draw came against Inter at this very venue in September 2019. Nevertheless, they will arrive in Milan under pressure, having lost their last three away matches in European competition without even finding the net. All of those defeats came in the Europa League group stage last term, and extending that run to four would equal their worst streak since 2007, when they endured five successive away losses. For coach Jindřich Trpišovský, finding a way to break down Inter’s well-drilled defence will be key to avoiding a repeat scenario as his side looks to overcome their opening-day 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Tomáš Chorý in attack is expected.