Inter Milan vs Monaco: Match Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Fixture: Inter Milan vs Monaco

Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Kick-off Time: 20:00 CET

Venue: Stadio San Siro, Milan

Competition: UEFA Champions League, Matchday 8

Inter Milan hosts Monaco at San Siro in the final round of the UEFA Champions League league phase. Both teams have already secured their spots in the knockout stage, but this game will determine seeding and momentum heading into the next round. Inter sits on 16 points, while Monaco has 13, meaning a win for the French side could see them leapfrog Inter.

Inter have a stellar record at home in this campaign, with three wins from three, and will look to maintain that streak. Monaco, meanwhile, recorded a crucial away victory against Bologna earlier in the group stage and will aim to replicate that success against the Serie A champions.

• Played: 4
• Inter Wins: 3
• Monaco Wins: 1
• Draws: 0
• Goals Scored (Inter): 7
• Goals Scored (Monaco): 3
  

1963/64 European Cup First Round

• Inter 1-0 Monaco (San Siro)
• Monaco 1-3 Inter (Return leg, Marseille)

1996/97 UEFA Cup Semi-Finals

• Inter 3-1 Monaco (San Siro)
• Monaco 1-0 Inter (Second leg)
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): W-W-W-D-W
• Most Recent Result: Lecce 0-4 Inter Milan (Serie A)
• Key Stat: Inter are unbeaten at home in this season’s UEFA Champions League, conceding just one goal in three matches.
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): W-W-L-D-D
• Most Recent Result: Monaco 3-2 Rennes (Ligue 1)
• Key Stat: Monaco have only one win in their last seven away European matches against Italian teams.
  

Formation: Likely 3-5-2 under Simone Inzaghi.

Key Players:

• Lautaro Martínez: The Argentine striker has scored two goals in this season’s competition and remains Inter’s talisman in attack.
• Hakan Çalhanoğlu: With two goals from midfield, the Turkish playmaker provides creativity and set-piece threat.
• Benjamin Pavard: The French defender will play a key role in neutralizing Monaco’s counterattacking opportunities.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Nicolò Barella and Denzel Dumfries are one booking away from suspension.
• Yann Bisseck: Ruled out due to adductor pain.
• Hakan Çalhanoğlu: Injury doubt due to a calf injury.
• Raffaele Di Gennaro: Ruled out due to a finger injury.
  

Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1 under Adi Hütter.

Key Players:

• Takumi Minamino: The Japanese midfielder has two goals in the competition and provides versatility in attack.
• Thilo Kehrer: The German defender scored the winner against Bologna and has been a steady presence in Monaco’s backline.
• Breel Embolo: The Swiss forward will lead the line, aiming to capitalize on counter-attacking chances.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Thilo Kehrer and Lamine Camara are one booking away from suspension.
• George Ilenikhena: Ruled out due to an adductor injury.
• Folarin Balogun: Ruled out due to a shoulder injury. 
  

Inter will likely control possession and push forward through their wing-backs, Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco. Their defensive solidity, led by Yann Sommer in goal and Alessandro Bastoni in defence, will be critical. The combination of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram upfront will look to exploit Monaco’s defensive gaps, particularly in transition.

Monaco are expected to play on the counter, utilising the pace of Vanderson and Breel Embolo. The midfield duo of Aleksandr Golovin and Denis Zakaria will be tasked with disrupting Inter’s rhythm and feeding their wide players. Monaco’s success will depend on their ability to defend deep and spring forward quickly when opportunities arise.

Inter Milan 2-1 AS Monaco

Inter’s home form and overall squad strength make them favourites, but Monaco’s counter-attacking quality could see them grab a goal in an otherwise tight contest.

Inter Milan’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan is one of the most experienced players in European competition, with 150 UEFA appearances. He will be aiming to add to his tally of 26 goals in European football’s elite competition.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.