Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has decided to start Benjamin Pavard and Francesco Acerbi in defense, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in midfield, against Benfica this evening. The Champions League group stage clash is scheduled for 21.00 CET.
Firstly, in goal Yann Sommer starts yet again. The veteran Swiss international has played every minute this season for Inter so far.
Secondly, in defense French international Benjamin Pavard keeps his place in the starting eleven from Saturday’s win over Salernitana.
Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi complete the trio. Therefore Dutch international Stefan de Vrij has to settle for a place on the bench.
Thirdly, on the flanks Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries start this evening’s match. Dimarco is back in the eleven having gotten a rest against Salernitana.
Meanwhile, Juan Cuadrado is back fit. However, the former Juventus and Chelsea starts on the bench. He’s yet to make his first start for Inter.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan Back In Starting XI In Midfield
Fourthly, in midfield Henrikh Mkhitaryan starts the match in midfield. The former Roma and Arsenal man forms Inter’s midfield trio alongside Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu.
Over the weekened Davy Klaassen had started against Salernitana.
However, Mkhitaryan takes the ex-Ajax man’s place, returning to the starting eleven.
Meanwhile, Davide Frattesi is still out with an injury. The same is the case for Stefano Sensi.
Subsequently, up front, Argentina international forward Lautaro Martinez is back in the starting eleven.
Against Salernitana, the 26-year-old Nerazzurri captain had begun the match on the bench. However, he scored a remarkable four goals as a substitute.
Therefore, it is little surprise to see Martinez back in the starting lineup.
And finally, Marko Arnautovic is still out with a long-term thigh injury.
Official Starting Lineups Inter Milan Vs Benfica
Inter (3-5-2): Yann Sommer; Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martinez.
Substitutes: Emil Audero, Raffale Di Gennaro, Stefan de Vrij, Matteo Darmian, Yann Bisseck, Juan Cuadrado, Carlos Augusto, Aleksandar Stankovic, Kristjan Asllani, Davy Klaassen, Alexis Sanchez, Amadou Sarr.
Coach: Simone Inzaghi.
Suspended: no one.
Injured & unavailable: Marko Arnautovic, Davide Frattesi.
Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Bah, Morato, Otamendi, Bernat; Joao Neves, Kokçu; Di Maria, Rafa Silva, Arusnes; Neres.
Substitutes: Soares, Kokubo, Araujo, Jurasek, Florentino, Chiquinho, Joao Mario, Tiago Gouveia, Guedes, Tengstedt, Musa, Cabral.
Coach: Roger Schmidt.
SUuspended: Antonio Silva (1 match).
Injured & unavailable: no one.
Referee: Danny Makkelie.
Assistant referees: Steegstra & de Vriese.
Fourth official: Lindhout.
VAR: Dieperink & Kajtazovic.
