Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi could tweak his squad for the upcoming Champions League clash against Red Star Belgrade.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri boss could use the new format to rotate his line-up.
Inter got their European journey off to a decent start.
Despite facing a more heavily fancied Manchester City, the Scudetto holders earned a point at the Etihad Stadium.
A sturdy defensive approach saw the Italian powerhouse hold Pep Guardiola’s high-flyers to a 0-0 draw.
Therefore, three points against Red Star are crucial for Inter’s bid to earn automatic knockout qualification.
Despite the high stakes, Inzaghi reportedly sees this fixture as an opportunity to rotate his squad.
Resting notable first-team stars is crucial amid a congested fixture schedule.
Inter had a difficult game at Udinese last Saturday. Lautaro Martinez’s match-winning brace secured a 3-2 win at the Bluenergy Stadium.
However, Inzaghi could bench his captain tonight to give him some rest.
Inter Milan Boss Simone Inzaghi to Use New Champions League Format to Rotate His Squad
Lautaro Martinez isn’t the only first-team stalwart set to start on the bench this evening.
Inter boast significant squad depth after securing the services of Piotr Zielinski and Mehdi Taremi in the summer transfer window.
Both players could make their first Champions League starts against Red Star.
Even though Inzaghi could leave his heavy hitters on the bench, the Nerazzurri are still odds-on favorites to take three points.
Inter last met Red Star in the early 1980s, going unbeaten in both European Cup duels.
However, there’s a substantial gulf in class now.
Red Star might have dominated their domestic championship in recent years, but they’re nowhere near Inter’s level.
Inzaghi will expect nothing less than a clear-cut victory as Inter look to reach the knockout stages directly.