Inzaghi Laments Key Absences for Inter's UCL Clash vs Atletico

The stakes couldn’t be higher as Inter Milan prepare to host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. However, the Nerazzurri will have to navigate this make-or-break encounter without two pivotal players who starred in the first leg victory.

Speaking ahead of the crunch clash, Inter boss Simone Inzaghi lamented the injury absences of versatile wingback Carlos Augusto and striker Marko Arnautovic, labeling them “fundamental” players in the first leg triumph.

Augusto, who came off the bench to shore up the defense, had to be withdrawn against Bologna at the weekend with a calf problem. Meanwhile, Arnautovic’s heroics – the Austrian replaced Marcus Thuram at halftime before netting the winner – were cut short by a thigh strain in the same game.

“Unfortunately, in comparison to the first leg, we don’t have Augusto and Arnautovic, who had been fundamental for us in that match,” Inzaghi told InterTV. “Both came off the bench and did very well. Unfortunately, this sometimes happens when we have to play a lot of matches close together.”

The double blow is undoubtedly a setback for Inter’s hopes of overturning a 1-0 deficit against the steely Spanish side. Augusto’s industry and defensive diligence could have been invaluable in nullifying Atletico’s threat, while Arnautovic’s aerial prowess and clinical finishing offered a potent plan B.

Still, Inzaghi remains defiant, insisting his troops are ready to summon a top-drawer performance to keep their Continental dream alive. “We expect a great match from them, especially here at home where they’ve been on a great run,” he said of Atletico’s formidable home form.

“We’ll need to be the best version of Inter. We have to stay completely switched on, remember that in these do-or-die knockout matches, the individual moments can make the difference. So we have to exploit them in the best way possible.”

With key absentees, the onus will be on Inter’s big hitters to deliver on the grand occasion. Talismanic striker Romelu Lukaku, who has rediscovered his scoring touch, could prove decisive, as could the mercurial Lautaro Martinez if he can recapture his sparkle.

In midfield, the tireless Nicolo Barella may have to take on even greater responsibility to disrupt Atletico’s rhythm, while the experienced Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be entrusted to unlock the visitors’ stubborn rearguard.

At the back, the rock-solid Milan Skriniar and the increasingly impressive Francesco Acerbi must marshal the troops and minimize any individual errors that could swing momentum in this finely-poised tie.

With key men sidelined, Inter’s collective spirit, tactical discipline, and big-game mentality will be sternly examined against the streetwise Atletico. But as Inzaghi knows, the biggest occasions often hinge on isolated, potentially season-defining moments.

Can the shorthanded Nerazzurri still summon the quality to keep their Champions League dream alive? Or will the absences prove too much to overcome against Diego Simeone’s battle-hardened side? A tantalizing 90 minutes – and perhaps more – awaits.