Inter Milan 1-0 AC Milan Replay: UCL Semi-final 2022-23

10:30 PM: Hello everyone and welcome to Khel Now’s LIVE COVERAGE of the Inter Milan vs AC Milan match in the UEFA Champions League 2022-23. The kick-off is just two hours away! I’m your host Sayantan, and I’ll be keeping you company through what promises a fascinating evening of football. Please wait for 30 Seconds for the Live blog to load.

AC Milan‘s players were publicly criticized by their own fans following their shock defeat to Spezia in Serie A. This could have an impact on their morale and confidence going into the game against Inter Milan. However, the Rossoneri will be keen to bounce back and salvage some pride in what has been a disappointing season for them.

Inter Milan, on the other hand, will be high on confidence after their 4-2 win over Sassuolo. The Nerazzurri have already taken a significant step towards reaching the Champions League final with their 2-0 victory in the first leg, but they will not take their foot off the pedal as they look to secure their place in the final.

Players to Watch

Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan)

The former AC Milan midfielder had a solid performance in the first leg, and he will be looking to carry that form into the second leg. He was instrumental in Inter’s opening goal, delivering a delightful corner that was converted by Edin Džeko. Calhanoglu also came close to scoring a goal himself, hitting the post with a magnificent shot. Against his former team, he will be eager to put on a show and prove his worth to the Inter fans. His creativity, passing range, and set-piece ability will be crucial for Inter as they look to book their place in the Champions League final after 13 years.

Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

Despite conceding two goals in the first leg, Maignan put on a commendable display in goal for Milan. He was given little chance to save either of the goals but made some crucial saves later in the game to keep Milan in the tie. Maignan also had luck on his side as Inter hit the post on a couple of occasions. The Frenchman will be eager to keep a clean sheet and help Milan stage a comeback in the second leg. His shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box will be crucial for Milan as they look to overturn the two-goal deficit.

Match Facts

• The last time an Italian club won the UCL was back in 2010, and it was Inter under Jose Mourinho
• AC Milan has 7 UCL trophies, while Inter has just 3
• Unlike Filippo Inzaghi (brother), Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi has never won the Champions League himself. But could now be on the path to winning it as a manager with Inter

Injury & Team News

Inter doesn’t have that much of a concern. As they are already accustomed to playing without the departing defender, Milan Skriniar. Milan Skriniar had undergone back surgery and will likely not return this season. He has a verbal agreement in place with Ligue 1 side, PSG whom he will be joining after completing his current deal with Inter.

AC Milan already had a serious issue as they weren’t with their top Portuguese star Rafael Leão in the first leg. In the first-leg semi-final tie, Stefano Pioli was left with another setback as Ismaël Bennacer was forced to be taken off after a knock in the knee – that he wasn’t able to recover from at that time. And now its confirmed he will not feature in the second leg as it might require a medical surgery. However, Rade Krunic could very well recover in time for the away bench.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 236

Inter Milan wins – 88

AC Milan wins – 79

Draws – 69

Predicted Lineup

Inter Milan predicted lineup (3-5-2)

André Onana(GK); Bastoni, Acerbi, Darmian; Dimarco, Mkhitaryan, Çalhanoğlu, Barella, Dumfries; Džeko, Martínez

AC Milan predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Maignan(GK); Hernández, Tomori, Kjaer, Calabria; Tonali, Pobega; Origi, Díaz, Saelemaekers; Giroud