Inter Milan are going into Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against AC Milan as favourites thanks to their recent good form, according to Italian journalist Giancarlo Padovan.

In an interview with Italian television broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, and as reported by Milan based Inter Milan news-site FCInter1908, Padovan argued that the Nerazzurri had hit their peak at the right time and they were now able to call upon their strikers to make the difference, after a period of profligacy in front of goal.

Simone Inzaghi’s side have won four consecutive league matches and beat Roma 2-0 yesterday, just days after thrashing Hellas Verona 6-0, and Padovan felt that the win over the Giallorossi offered a glimpse into the attacking line-up against Milan.

“Inter arrive in top form, with fewer injuries, and are in an extraordinary condition at the decisive moment of the season and it is undeniable,” Padovan declared.

“Inter are overflowing in athletic condition, clarity and brilliance and that is a fact. Inter produced lots of chances but scored few goals, the strikers had dropped and there was a disproportion between shots and goals, Romelu Lukaku could no longer find a goal.

“Against Milan it is right that Edin Dzeko plays, Inzaghi has already decided. The game against Roma made him think, in my opinion Lukaku will start from the bench even though he is playing very well and, in my opinion he has lost a few kilos.

“Lautaro Martinez is too important to drop, when he comes on he is decisive but that is why he will play from the start.

“Joaquin Correa is a mystery, he played three-quarters of the game (against Roma) as a ghost.”

Padovan also felt that a potential injury to Milan forward Rafael Leao was being blown out of proportion and he expected the Portugal international to be included in the Rossoneri’s squad against Inter.

“Leao is not half a team, I liked when Stefano Pioli said you win as a group and not as individuals.

“Milan are doing well, not as well as Inter but well, they had an important win against Lazio who played badly. Milan have a little bit of apprehension about Leao, he is the real point star of the Rossoneri, he is the most dangerous player.

“I don’t think he will not be in the match, in my opinion he will be on the bench.”

Inter take on Milan on Wednesday, before settling the tie in the second leg on Tuesday 16 May.