Inter Milan faces an injury crisis ahead of their Champions League Round of 16 match against Feyenoord, forcing Alessandro Bastoni to play as an advanced wing-back. The match takes place at De Kuip Stadium at 17:45 GMT, with the second leg scheduled at San Siro on March 11. Inter, the only Italian team left in the competition, is missing key players, including Federico Dimarco and Matteo Darmian, impacting their wing-back options. Feyenoord is also struggling with injuries and suspensions; they recently changed coaches after sacking Brian Priske. The teams last met in the UEFA Cup in 2002.
Due to an injury crisis during the Champions League Round of 16 against Feyenoord, Inter will utilize Alessandro Bastoni as a more advanced wing-back.
The match begins at De Kuip Stadium at 17.45 GMT.
Stay tuned to the Liveblog for all the latest updates and action as it unfolds.
The return leg will take place at San Siro on Tuesday, March 11, with no away goals rule applicable in UEFA competitions now.
The Nerazzurri secured a top-eight finish in the league phase and are the last remaining Italian club in the Champions League.
Yet, the team is heavily affected by injuries, with Federico Dimarco, Carlos Augusto, Nicola Zalewski, and Matteo Darmian all unavailable.
This nearly depletes their wing-back options, leaving only Denzel Dumfries, which forces Bastoni into a more forward position to maintain the 3-5-2 formation.
Marcus Thuram has overcome a muscular issue and will start alongside Lautaro Martinez, though Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and goalkeeper Yann Sommer aren’t fully fit.
Joaquin Correa is ineligible due to UEFA regulations.
Feyenoord has now appointed their third coach this season, with Robin van Persie making his debut with a 0-0 draw against NEC Nijmegen last Saturday.
They dismissed Brian Priske on February 10 and advanced past Milan in the play-offs under caretaker manager Pascal Bosschaart.
Key player Givairo Read is suspended, adding to a lengthy injury list that’s sidelined Justin Bijlow, Quinten Timber, and Bart Nieuwkoop for the rest of the season.
In addition, Calvin Stengs, Antoni Milambo, Ramiz Zerrouki, Chris-Kevin Nadje, Facundo Gonzalez, Jordan Lotomba, In-beom Hwang, and Gernot Trauner remain out, while Ayase Ueda and Jakub Moder are not at full fitness.
Players such as Quilindschy Hartman, Oussama Targhalline, and Stephano Carrillo are also not included on the UEFA list.
Igor Paixao scored the opening goal against Milan, with Hadj Moussa showcasing impressive performances throughout both legs of that play-off.
Former Fiorentina defender David Hancko is frequently linked to a potential transfer to Juventus.
The two teams last faced each other in the UEFA Cup semi-finals in April 2002, finishing 2-2 in Rotterdam, with Feyenoord winning 1-0 in the second leg to eliminate Inter.
Feyenoord vs. Inter line-ups
Feyenoord: Wellenreuther; Mitchell, Beelen, Hancko, Bueno; Moder, Paixao, Smal; Hadj Moussa, Carranza, Osman
Feyenoord 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
Inter bench: Sommer, Di Gennaro, Arnautovic, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Bisseck, Aidoo, Motta, Quieto, Taremi
Ref: Eskas (NOR)
