Schalke to score past Inter at the San Siro
There's something special about Italy versus Germany clashes in Europe these days, with the Serie A sides having a point to prove against the nation soon to nick their fourth Champions League spot and the Bundesliga clubs yet to show their supposed supremacy head-to-head, especially against Inter.
The holders stunned Bayern Munich again last month with a 3-2 victory at the Allianz Arena that saw them become just the second team in tournament history to progress after a home first-leg loss, but they will be planning on booking a semi-final spot in far less tense fashion against Schalke.
Last year's Bundesliga runners-up have endured a torrid campaign in which they've struggled in the league, reached the German Cup Final, replaced manager Felix Magath with Ralf Rangnick and enjoyed European triumphs over Benfica, Lyon and Valencia.
However, this is their first clash against one of the continent's elite and the expectation is that they will be outclassed, with odds of [3.35] offered on them progressing past the champions. They've upset the Nerazzurri once before though, beating them on penalties in the 1996-97 UEFA Cup Final.
Yet Leonardo's Inter are stronger in almost every position than the side Roy Hodgson fell short with, as the one survivor of that squad, Javier Zanetti, would no doubt agree, and given that they are [1.41] to qualify, the [1.76] available on them winning at the San Siro this evening appears generous.
They were poor at home to Bayern and were resoundingly defeated 3-0 by AC Milan on Saturday to harm their Serie A title bid, but they have reacted well to setbacks so far under their upbeat Brazilian boss, and are also able to call on Diego Milito from the start for the first time in over two months.
The general consensus that this tie will be killed off tonight is questionable though as Inter can't be relied upon to keep a clean sheet anymore, a situation that won't be helped by Lucio's suspension.
It's [2.08] that both teams score and with Raul ([4.1] to net at any time) looking to definitively pass Pippo Inzaghi as the top of the all-time leading goalscorer in European competitions at the injured AC Milan striker's own ground, that's a very appealing price.
Inter v Schalke
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Live on Sky Sports 4
Will Inter bounce back from derby defeat in style? They are [19.5] to win 3-1...
Published: 5 Apr 2011
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