Inter Milan and Arsenal will both defend unbeaten Champions League records when they clash in a high-stakes encounter on Wednesday at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
This matchup marks the first European contest between the two sides in over 20 years, with their last meeting in the 2003/04 Champions League group stage. Back then, the Italian side triumphed 3-0 in London, but Arsenal responded with an emphatic 5-1 win in Milan, resulting in Inter’s exit from the tournament at the group stage.
Now, two decades later, Inter will be eager to shake off memories of that defeat by halting Arsenal’s impressive European momentum. Simone Inzaghi’s team has started the Champions League campaign strong, beginning with a determined 0-0 draw against Manchester City in their opening match.
They then dominated Red Star Belgrade 4-0 and pulled off a late 1-0 victory over Young Boys, courtesy of Marcus Thuram’s stoppage-time winner. Inter’s solid European form contrasts with their occasional defensive lapses in Serie A, but recent league clean sheets, including a close 1-0 win over Venezia, have added to their confidence.
Inter currently ride an eight-match unbeaten streak across all competitions (W7, D1), and their record against English visitors to the Meazza is formidable, with 11 wins in 17 encounters (W11, D3, L3).
At home in European competition, Inter’s recent performances have been particularly impressive. They’ve claimed ten victories in their last 14 Champions League matches at Meazza (D2, L2), and their scoring has been prolific, with three or more goals in three of their last four competitive home games (W3, D1). Inzaghi’s side will hope to continue their European success with another strong showing in this marquee matchup.
Meanwhile, Arsenal enter the game following a difficult run in the Premier League, capped off by a narrow 1-0 loss to Newcastle United over the weekend. With just one win in their last five away games across all competitions (D2, L2), and having failed to score in three of those, Mikel Arteta’s side could see the Champions League as a timely shift in focus.
While Arsenal have experienced some domestic setbacks, their Champions League form has been impressive.
They’ve only conceded once this season and managed a clean sheet in Italy against Atalanta on matchday one, where goalkeeper David Raya saved a penalty from Mateo Retegui to ensure a goalless draw.
Arsenal also have a good track record against Italian teams, having avoided defeat in seven of their last eight encounters (W6, D1).
Despite this, they have not scored in their past four meetings with Serie A opponents (D1, L3), a streak stretching back to Emmanuel Adebayor’s goal against AC Milan in 2008.
The Gunners, still reeling from recent league struggles, will look to capitalize on this European fixture to regain momentum and make a statement at one of Europe’s mosticonic stadiums.
