Inter Milan will host Liverpool in a key UEFA Champions League league phase match on Tuesday at San Siro Stadium. The Italian side sits fourth with four wins and one loss, while Liverpool is 13th with three wins and two losses amid domestic struggles. Mohamed Salah's uncertain status adds tension to the fixture.
Inter Milan enters the match against Liverpool on a strong note, sitting second in Serie A, just one point behind leaders Napoli after 14 rounds. They have won their last three matches by an aggregate score of 11-1, including a 4-0 home victory over Como on Saturday. In the Champions League, Inter is fourth after five matchdays, with a record of four wins and one loss, the latter a 2-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid on November 26. Coach Cristian Chivu emphasized the team's maturity and consistency, stating, “We’re not looking for proof of greatness, just points and consistency.” He also praised Liverpool's team spirit, calling Mohamed Salah a “phenomenon” while noting the Reds' resources despite their form.
Liverpool, meanwhile, is ninth in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal, following a 3-3 draw at Leeds United. Salah, who has five goals in 18 games this season, voiced frustration after being benched for three straight matches, accusing the club of “throwing me under the bus” and hinting at a potential exit before the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15. It remains unclear if Salah will feature, as he trained on Monday but was left out of recent considerations. The Reds sit 13th in the Champions League, having beaten Real Madrid 1-0 on November 4 but lost 4-1 at home to PSV on November 26.
Team news for Inter includes absences for goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro (wrist), Matteo Darmian (muscular), and Denzel Dumfries (ankle), with Manuel Akanji doubtful due to flu. Francesco Acerbi is expected to play. For Liverpool, Jeremie Frimpong is out with a hamstring injury, and Conor Bradley risks suspension. Predicted lineups vary, but Inter is likely to field Yann Sommer in goal with Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram up front, both scorers against Como. Liverpool may start Alisson Becker behind Virgil van Dijk, with options like Hugo Ekitike or Alexander Isak leading the attack.
Historically, Liverpool holds a 4-2 edge in six meetings, last advancing past Inter 2-1 on aggregate in 2022. Inter has won their last four home games against English teams and conceded only three goals in the competition, fewer than all but Arsenal.
