Inter are forced to make big midfield changes for their must-win trip to Slavia Prague, as Borja Valero gets a rare start with Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku.
This is a crucial turning point for the Nerazzurri’s Champions League ambitions, as they go in third with four points, while Slavia Prague have two, Borussia Dortmund seven and Barcelona eight.
That means if Inter lose in Prague, their hopes of a Round of 16 place are over and even the third spot going into the Europa League would be at serious risk.
These teams drew 1-1 at San Siro, with Nicolò Barella scoring a stoppage-time volley to equalise.
Barella underwent knee surgery this morning and will be out for at least a month, but he’s joined on the absentee list by Stefano Sensi, Kwadwo Asamoah and Alexis Sanchez.
With that in mind, Antonio Conte gives veteran Borja Valero his first start of the season and only his second appearance, stepping into midfield with Marcelo Brozovic and Matias Vecino.
Romelu Lukaku is still looking for his first Champions League goal of the season, whereas Lautaro Martinez has scored in each of his last three European outings.
Slavia Prague have lost their last three European home fixtures, but managed to hold both Inter and Barcelona to away draws in this group.
Defender David Hovorka is injured, while Jan Kolar, Tomas Soucek, Petr Sevcik and Lukas Masopust all faced late fitness tests for muscular issues.
Inter have shown a tendency to start strong in their Champions League away fixtures this season, taking the lead at Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, only to fall apart in the second half and suffer defeat.
Slavia Prague: Kolar; Coufal, Frydrych, Kudela, Boril; Soucek, Husbauer; Masopust, Stanciu, Sevcik; Olayinka
Inter: Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Godin; Candreva, Vecino, Brozovic, Borja Valero, Biraghi; Lukaku, Martinez
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