A report from the Italian media takes a closer look at the Champions League opponents of Inter Milan in Group D.
On Thursday, UEFA held the official UCL group stage draw in Monte Carlo. The Nerazzurri landed in Group D alongside Benfica, Red Bull Salzburg and Real Sociedad.
The Beneamata will have some large expectations upon their shoulders having finished as last edition’s runners-up.
However, the first order of business will be finishing either first or second in Group D to book a place in the knockout stages.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (via FcInterNews) analyzes Inter Milan’s next three European opponents.
Naturally, the encounter against Benfica will be the most interesting. This is a rematch from last season’s quarter-finals. The Nerazzurri emerged victorious 5-3 on aggregate following two exciting clashes.
The Portuguese champions will be seeking vengeance. However, they lost the services of young striker Goncalo Ramos (who joined Paris Saint-Germain) and influential left-back Alex Grimaldo (now at Bayer Leverkusen).
Nevertheless, the Eagles brought back Angel Di Maria for a second stint at the club. The veteran winger can make all the difference at the European stage, warns the pink newspaper.
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The source also expects Real Sociedad to pose some threat. Even if they aren’t the strongest amongst the five La Liga representatives, the Basque-based side possesses the strong mentality and technique of a Spanish club.
On the other hand, the source claims that Salzburg is the least worrying opponent for Inter Milan.
Finally, the source mentions how Italian clubs can unlock a fifth Champions League spot in next season’s next format.
As the report explains, the two domestic leagues with the highest seasonal rankings will each receive an additional berth.