For several seasons, Manchester City has asserted its dominance, consistently collecting trophies. In 2023, they reached new heights by securing their first-ever Champions League title.
Domestically, their supremacy in the Premier League is undeniable, having won six titles in the past seven seasons. Last season, City were crowned Premier League champions for the fourth consecutive year, despite strong competition from Arsenal, who finished just two points behind.
Before the current season, Pep Guardiola’s team also triumphed over Manchester United in the Community Shield, drawing 1-1 but winning on penalties. City have started the new Premier League season in strong form, securing victories against Chelsea (2-0), Ipswich (4-1), and West Ham (3-1) in their opening three matches.
Inter Milan dominated Serie A last season, finishing nearly 20 points ahead of second-placed AC Milan. However, their Champions League campaign was less impressive, as they were eliminated by Atlético Madrid in the round of 16.
After a mixed preseason that included wins over Lugano, Pergolettese, and Las Palmas, Inter faced more challenges with draws against Pisa (1-1) and Chelsea (1-1), and a loss to Al-Ittihad (0-2). Despite this rocky start, Inter have bounced back with two consecutive clean-sheet wins over Lecce (2-0) and Atalanta (4-0).
For Manchester City, winger Bobb remains sidelined with an injury, and there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of Phil Foden due to illness. Rodri, who had an excellent Euro campaign with Spain, is expected to make his season debut.
Erling Haaland is in outstanding form, having already scored seven league goals, including a hat-trick in his most recent game. City’s transfer dealings have also been positive, with key players like Julian Alvarez (to Atlético Madrid) and defenders João Cancelo (to Al-Hilal) and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (to Southampton) departing, alongside several rotational players.
The squad has been reinforced by returns and new arrivals, including Ilkay Gündogan after his season with Barcelona, and Brazilian winger Savinho, who impressed with Troyes and Girona.
Inter Milan will benefit from the return of their captain, Lautaro Martinez, who was the top scorer in Serie A last season. Central defender Stefan de Vrij is also back after an impressive Euro tournament.
The only absentee is winger Buchanan, who remains injured. Marcus Thuram, who scored twice in the opening match, is expected to start, with Hakan Calhanoglou, who found the net in their last match, likely playing alongside Barella and Mkhitaryan in midfield.
This summer, Inter primarily lost fringe players, but they strengthened their squad with the arrivals of goalkeeper Martinez from Genoa, midfielder Zielinski from Napoli, and striker Taremi from Porto, as well as the permanent transfers of Carlos Augusto, Frattesi, and Arnautovic.
Prediction
Inter has been delivering thrilling matches on the road in the Champions League, with 22 goals scored in their last five away games.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s home matches have frequently featured more than 2.5 goals, with 15 of their last 20 games following this pattern. This clash promises plenty of excitement.
Prediction: Manchester City 2 : 2 Inter
