Inter wants to break the game at Porto
Porto have won the last four matches at home against Italian rivals in the European Cup. They beat Roma, Juventus, Milan and Lazio, respectively. The last Italian representative to win at Dragao was Juventus, in 2017.
Inter themselves also tasted difficulties in Portugal. They have only won one of their eight appearances here in the European Cups. Among these are two recent failures. But Inter have not been guests of Portuguese clubs since the match against Sporting Lisbon in September 2006.
Porto lost three of their five Champions League encounters with Inter. But all three defeats took place away from home. At Dragao, the Portuguese giant won one and drew one against this Italian opponent. In the previous seven defeats in a Champions League knockout pair, Porto were eliminated six times. But the only time they turned the tide was against an Italian club - AS Roma in the 2018-2019 season.
In five times winning the first leg knock-out Champions League, Inter went on to four times. The only time they were eliminated, despite having an advantage, was against Manuel Pellegrini's Villarreal in the 2005-2006 season.
Inter are not well prepared for the second leg against Porto today when they lost 1-2 to Spezia in Serie A over the weekend. This defeat caused them to miss the opportunity to create distance with the latter group, when only three points above the fifth team Roma. Meanwhile, Porto ran the momentum for a vital match with a 3-2 victory over Estoril Praia.
In the first leg, Romelu Lukaku's only goal in the 86th minute brought the victory for Inter in the context that they played better from the 78th minute after Otavio received a red card. Due to this penalty, the Portugal international was suspended for the second leg and coach Sergio Conceicao had to choose Andre Franco or Stephen Eustaqio to replace.
Eustaquio has just returned from injury, similar to Andre Franco and Galeno, but Galeno Evanilson's Brazilian compatriot is still sidelined with a thigh injury.
On the Inter side, the question is whether Inzaghi will choose Lukaku or Edin Dzeko to pair up with Lautaro Martinez in the 3-5-2 formation. Joaquin Correa is also an option, but the Argentinian player often plays a more strategic role. In defense, Milan Skriniar is likely to continue to be absent due to a back injury.
