UEFA Champions League Last 16: Inter Milan Ready for Rematch with Bayern Munich

If anyone wanted to have insight as to how Inter Milan might fare Wednesday in the first leg of the knockout round of the 2011 UEFA Champions League against visiting Bayern Munich, perhaps its recent Serie A league matches with AS Roma and Juventus would be a good indicator.

AS Roma and Juventus are like Bayern Munich in that they are two Champions League-caliber sides, even if the Bianconeri are not in the tournament this season. Inter defeated Roma 5-3, but lost to Juventus 1-0 in which the opponents scored on their only shot attempt of the match.

Two months ago Inter was decimated by injuries. The club now stands somewhat better. Key central defender Lucio has been out recently, but is expected back to face his old club. He should be paired with newcomer Andrea Ranocchia in the center of the defense. Veterans Ivan Cordoba and Marco Materazzi provide depth.

However, on a sour note, Diego Milito picked up a thigh strain injury against Roma and will miss both legs of Inter’s tie with Bayern. This is a huge blow as Milito was the player that scored both goals in last season’s Champions League final against the Bavarian giants.

What makes matters worse is that his backup, recently acquired Giampaolo Pazzini, is ineligible for the Champions League as he already participated in the competition this season with his previous club, Sampdoria. This will leave Inter with the option of moving Samuel Eto’o or Goran Pandev into the center forward spot.

Left back Christian Chivu will miss three more Serie A matches due to suspension, but that will not affect his Champions League status. It might actually help him for the Champions League as he should be well rested.

Dejan Stankovic has been out and could miss the first leg of Inter’s tie with Bayern Munich.

On the positive side, Wesley Sneijder has returned and had an outstanding game against Roma. He will be held out of the weekend match with Cagliari due to a minor knock so that he will be ready for Bayern.

Thiago Motta has done very well since returning from an injury to pair with Esteban Cambiasso and captain Javier Zanetti in the midfield.

Right back Maicon didn’t look like himself under Rafael Benitez. But the Brazilian has once again become a dangerous presence when moving forward.

Attacking/wing midfielder Philippe Coutinho is also healthy against after missing two months and gives Inter an option from the bench.

Health will play a big factor in Inter’s Champions League success. But this squad appears to have re-charged its batteries under Leonardo and is the best side in Europe until someone else proves it is better.