Benjamin Pavard will start for Inter Milan in this evening’s Champions League match against Benfica, whilst Matteo Darmian will begin on the bench.
This according to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi will name his second Champions League starting eleven of the season this evening.
The Nerazzurri face Benfica in their second of six group stage matches.
Three points may not be outright necessary, but it will feel that way.
Inter were only able to scrape a draw in their first group stage match, away to Real Sociedad.
And, more worryingly, that match saw the Nerazzurri overrun for long stretches, with the point that they took away from San Sebastian truthfully a generous reflection of their performance.
Therefore, a statement win would be hugely significant for Inter to bounce back from that flat opener.
And for Benfica, the importance of a result this evening would be even greater.
The Portuguese champions’ opening day match was a disaster. They fell to a 0-2 defeat at home to Red Bull Salzburg, after having defender Antonio Silva sent off.
Benjamin Pavard To Start For Inter Vs Benfica – Darmian Drops To The Bench
Naturally, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi will be aiming to play his strongest eleven this evening, or something like it.
In attack this will certainly mean the return of captain Lautaro Martinez.
And in defense, Sky reports that former Bayern Munich man Benjamin Pavard will keep his place.
The 27-year-old had made his first start for Inter in this competition.
Pavard debuted for the Nerazzurri against La Real in the group stage opener.
And Pavard has also played in the league against the likes of Empoli and Salernitana.
According to Sky, he will once again start this evening.
That will mean that there is no place in the starting eleven for Matteo Darmian. The former Manchester United and Torino defender is on the bench, with Denzel Dumfries starting on the right flank.
