As the excitement of the Champions League unfolds, Inter finds itself in a position where they could potentially clash with one of their fierce Serie A rivals, Milan or Juventus, in the Round of 16. But before that potential matchup becomes a reality, both Milan and Juventus have to successfully navigate their play-off rounds.
Currently, Milan is trailing 1-0 against Feyenoord and is fighting to overturn this deficit in the second leg. Meanwhile, Juventus holds a slender 2-1 lead over PSV, giving them a slight edge going into the second leg of their face-off.
Inter, having secured a direct spot in the Round of 16 by finishing fourth in the league phase, is eagerly watching the outcomes of these play-offs. The odds suggest there's a 50% chance of a thrilling all-Italian derby if both Milan and Juventus advance.
Inter's Performance Against Rivals
Despite sitting pretty with a guaranteed spot, Inter hasn't had the smoothest of runs against their Italian counterparts this season. They managed just two points from their encounters with both Milan and Juventus. Against Milan, they faced a narrow 2-1 defeat in the September Derby della Madonnina, followed by a 1-1 draw in December. However, Inter does have the upper hand in European ties as they defeated Milan in the 2022-23 Champions League semi-finals.
When it comes to Juventus, the competition has been equally intense. Juventus clinched a 1-0 victory over Inter in October, but the intense rivalry was evident in a high-octane 4-4 draw that entertained fans with its thrilling back-and-forth action.
The bigger picture now centers on the draw for the Round of 16, which promises potential intrigue, with Inter potentially going head-to-head with either Milan, Juventus, Feyenoord, or PSV. This prospect not only teases exciting matchups but also adds a layer of tension and anticipation to the proceedings.
As we await the results of the play-offs and the consequential draw, the potential for an all-Italian derby in the next round makes this Champions League season an even more exhilarating spectacle for fans of the beautiful game.
