Champions League Showdown: Feyenoord vs. Inter – Injury-Hit Nerazzurri Face Tough Test!

Inter Milan head to De Kuip for their Champions League Round of 16 clash against Feyenoord, battling an injury crisis that has forced Alessandro Bastoni into an unusual wing-back role. Kick-off is set for 17:45 GMT, and you can follow all the drama live on our Liveblog!

With no away goals rule in UEFA competitions, the decisive second leg will take place at San Siro on March 11. Inter, the last Italian club standing in the tournament, finished among the top eight in the league phase but now face major setbacks.

Injury Woes for Inter
The Nerazzurri are severely depleted, missing Federico Dimarco, Carlos Augusto, Nicola Zalewski, and Matteo Darmian, leaving Denzel Dumfries as their only natural wing-back. To maintain their signature 3-5-2 formation, coach Simone Inzaghi is taking a bold gamble by deploying center-back Bastoni in an advanced role. Key Players & Fitness Concerns

• Marcus Thuram is fit to start alongside Lautaro Martinez, shaking off a muscular issue.

• Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, and Sommer are not at 100%.

• Joaquin Correa is unavailable due to UEFA restrictions.

Feyenoord’s Rocky Road
Feyenoord are under their third coach this season, with Robin van Persie stepping in after a goalless debut against NEC Nijmegen. The Dutch side dumped AC Milan out in the play-offs but remain plagued by injuries, with Givairo Read suspended and key players like Justin Bijlow, Quinten Timber, and Bart Nieuwkoop sidelined.

One to Watch
Igor Paixao, who netted against Milan, is expected to be a key threat, while David Hancko—linked with Juventus—anchors the backline.

History Repeats?
The last time these two met in Europe, Feyenoord eliminated Inter in the 2002 UEFA Cup semi-finals. Can history repeat itself, or will Inter overcome the odds?

Line-ups

Feyenoord: Wellenreuther; Mitchell, Beelen, Hancko, Bueno; Moder, Paixao, Smal; Hadj Moussa, Carranza, Osman
Bench: Andreev, Ka, Ueda, Ivanusec, 'T Zand, Plug, Giersthove, Redmond, Sliti, Kraaijveld

Inter: J Martinez; Pavard, De Vrij, Acerbi; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Zielinski, Bastoni; M Thuram, Lautaro Martinez
Bench: Sommer, Di Gennaro, Arnautovic, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Bisseck, Aidoo, Motta, Quieto, Taremi

Can Inter survive the injury crisis and take an advantage back to San Siro? Don’t miss a second of the action!