Inter Milan will host Sporting Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16. Last year, the "Blue and Black" nearly won the UEFA Europa League, with the final just a step away. In their last 9 matches in the UEFA Europa League, 7 of them scored no more than 2 goals, showing an extremely cautious tactical style. Sporting Madrid are known for their sturdy defense, and both sides will be looking for a solid defense in this first round matchup, so it's unlikely that there will be a blowout in terms of goals scored, and the total number of goals scored by both sides is predicted to be no more than 2.5 goals. (Simulcast on Now Channel 643 at 4am on Wednesday)
Inter's recent run of form has seen them enter 2024 with eight consecutive wins in all competitions and a successful Serie A Cup run, leaving them nine points clear of Juventus and able to focus on preparing for the UEFA Europa League, despite playing a game less in the league. In four of their six group stage matches this season, Inter have scored no more than two goals, including two matches against Real Sociedad that ended in 0-0 and 1-1 draws, and their cautious tactics may not hold too much of an advantage against Sporting Madrid, who won't be able to easily go on the offensive, even at home.
