Inter president Beppe Marotta labels the revamped Champions League “strange” as Inter head to Arsenal without injured playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu; Dumfries is closing in on a return. Betting impact: markets may shift toward Arsenal as slight favourites — punters might prefer a cautious Arsenal win or a low-scoring market given Inter’s attacking doubts and Chivu’s limited European successes.
Marotta slams ‘strange’ Champions League format ahead of Arsenal test
Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta has warned the new Champions League format has produced an unpredictable group phase as his side prepare to face Arsenal. With the Serie A leaders clinging to hopes of avoiding the knockout playoff round, Marotta stressed the tightness of the table and urged a positive performance at the Emirates.
“Difficult to make predictions” — Marotta on the format
“This is a strange format,” Marotta said. “It’s difficult to make predictions. There are many teams packed within just a few points, and even now we’re seeing some surprising results. We know we want to put in a positive performance and bring home an equally positive result. Then we’ll take stock at the final whistle.”
Team form, tactical pressure and Chivu’s record
Cristian Chivu, who took charge at Inter this season, is under fresh pressure to secure a breakthrough victory in a high-profile European fixture. The 45-year-old has already been beaten by Atletico Madrid and Liverpool in continental competition, leaving Inter’s hopes of a top-eight finish precarious. The coach will need a disciplined display to steady the ship.
Injury blow: Calhanoglu out, Dumfries nearing return
Inter will be without Hakan Calhanoglu, the midfielder who netted the winner in last season’s 1-0 meeting with Arsenal, after suffering an injury. Full-back Denzel Dumfries is on the road to recovery and expected to be available again soon, though the exact timeline remains cautious. Losing Calhanoglu reduces Inter’s set-piece and creative threat.
Head-to-head context: a mixed European record
Inter can at least draw confidence from a favourable Champions League history against Arsenal, having won two of their three prior meetings at this level. That recent success provides some backdrop for Chivu’s side, but the absence of key creative options complicates their mission in London.
Transfer market verdict and Jakirovic interest
Marotta described this transfer window as “poor,” saying limited opportunities exist to significantly upgrade the squad. Inter remain active: the club has shown interest in Dinamo Zagreb youngster Leon Jakirovic and praised Dinamo as a reliable producer of talent. Marotta indicated optimism about negotiations while stressing the club will wait for the right offer.
Betting outlook: cautious Arsenal favourites, consider low-scoring options
With Calhanoglu sidelined and Chivu yet to register a major European scalp, market sentiment may tilt toward Arsenal as narrow favourites. Punters might back a cautious Arsenal victory or target low-scoring lines (under 2.5) given Inter’s reduced attacking spark. Another option is to monitor in-play markets, where Inter’s need for points could prompt late-game shifts if they chase the result.
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Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta commented on the new Champions League format ahead of tonight’s clash against Arsenal. Speaking to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, Marotta delivered his verdict on the newly formatted league phase.
Cristian Chivu will seek his first high-profile victory in charge of the Nerazzurri when Inter take on Arsenal tonight. Indeed, the [...]
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