Inter Milan remain on course for silverware in Antonio Conte’s first season in charge as they encounter Bayern Leverkusen in Europa League quarter-finals on Monday.
Conte’s men, Inter Milan humbled down Getafe in the last 16 as Leverkusen completed their job against Rangers to set up a fascinating last-eight tie on neutral soil in Dusseldorf.
Inter Milan may have finished a point behind the Serie A Champions Juventus but Conte has made it known he is entirely not happy with the financial support he has received.
Behind the season, tension appears to be building. There were talks ahead of the one-leg tie with Getafe that the former Chelsea boss may walk away this summer.
The rumors have been placed aside for now although it is clear there is pressure surrounding Inter Milan to go all the way and lift the trophy on 21st August.
On Wednesday, the Nerazzurri were far from their perfect form against Getafe. However, goals from Romelu Lukaku and Christian Eriksen saw them pick up a 2-1 triumph against the Spanish side.
This however does bring out the whole story as Samir Handanovic was kept busy early on and Jorge Molina missed a penalty in the second half with the score at 1-0.
Regardless of the circumstances, Inter’s quality was showcased at the end and they are now into their first European quarter-final since 2010/11 Champions League.
Inter Milan will carry lots of momentum into the battle with Leverkusen having won four in a row in all competitions and gone nine games without a defeat.
Leverkusen, on the other side-end of season form, has been a little uneven with the side failing to win back-to-back games since before lockdown.
Peter Bosz’s side competed the Bundesliga season in fifth. This means they will only qualify for next season’s Champions League by going all the way in the Europa League.
Team line up
Alexis Sanchez dropped to the bench in place of Lautaro Martinez in Inter’s change against Getafe. Since the forward’s loan move from Manchester United has been made permanent, he may return to his position.
However, given Inter has had five days off between games, coach Conte may be tempted to stick to the same XI that thrashed Getafe in the one-legged affair.
Christian Eriksen is among those pushing for a recall. But he has not entirely won over Conte and Roberto Gagliardini appears more likely to start in a three-man midfield.
For Leverkusen, they had a highly-rated talent in the form of Kai Havertz, who has been linked with every big-name club across Europe.
Havertz was unable to add to his tally of goals or assists against Rangers. Although Moussa Diaby did by scoring the winner on the day and will surely retain his spot out wide here.
Florian Wirtz was selected against the Gers as Bosz made the most of the opportunity to slightly rotate, but Leon Bailey is expected to be recalled on Monday.