Inter Milan vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Nerazzurri Target First UCL Win Under Cristian Chivu
Inter Milan will have an opportunity to secure their first victory of the Champions League campaign when they host Shakhtar Donetsk at the Giuseppe Meazza on Thursday, October 22. Cristian Chivu’s side will be eager to end their disappointing start to the competition, although the Ukrainian visitors arrive in Italy with an encouraging European record of their own.
Inter have been in impressive form in Serie A, sitting at the top of the table with 19 points from seven matches. The Nerazzurri remain unbeaten domestically, demonstrating the consistency needed to compete for the league title. However, their performances in Europe have told a different story, with defeats in both of their opening Champions League fixtures leaving them without a point.
Shakhtar, meanwhile, have enjoyed a strong start to the Ukrainian Premier League under manager Arda Turan. The Miners have won eight of their nine league matches, collecting 24 points despite suffering one defeat. Their European campaign has also been more encouraging than Inter’s, with one victory and one draw from their first two Champions League outings.
Despite Shakhtar’s positive results, their trip to Milan presents a significant challenge. Inter have ambitions of progressing deep into the competition and will view this home fixture as an important opportunity to revive their European campaign. Anything less than a victory would further complicate their efforts to advance to the next stage.
Inter’s Strong Record Offers Hope
Inter can also draw confidence from their historical record against Eastern European opposition. The Italian side have avoided defeat in their last five encounters with teams from the region, recording two victories and three draws.
Their previous meetings with Shakhtar provide further encouragement. Inter have won both of their last two home matches against the Ukrainian side without conceding a goal, including a 2-0 Champions League victory in November 2021 and a commanding 5-0 win in the 2020 Europa League semi-final.
Those results underline Inter’s ability to manage this particular matchup, although past performances will count for little if they fail to convert their chances on Thursday. Shakhtar have already demonstrated their resilience in Europe this season and will be determined to make life difficult for the hosts.
For Chivu, the priority will be to translate Inter’s domestic momentum into European success. With the Nerazzurri under pressure to collect their first Champions League points, home advantage and their favourable head-to-head record could prove important factors.
Head-to-Head: Inter Milan vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Inter have generally enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings with Shakhtar. Their last five encounters produced two Inter victories and three draws, with the Nerazzurri remaining unbeaten throughout that run.
Last five meetings:
- 25 November 2021 – Inter Milan 2-0 Shakhtar Donetsk | Champions League
- 29 September 2021 – Shakhtar Donetsk 0-0 Inter Milan | Champions League
- 10 December 2020 – Inter Milan 0-0 Shakhtar Donetsk | Champions League
- 28 October 2020 – Shakhtar Donetsk 0-0 Inter Milan | Champions League
- 18 August 2020 – Inter Milan 5-0 Shakhtar Donetsk | Europa League
Predicted Lineups
Inter Milan (3-5-2): J. Martinez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Diouf, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito.
Manager: Cristian Chivu
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-2-3-1): Riznyk; Tobias, Bondar, Matviyenko, P. Henrique; Ocheretko, Gomes; Santana, Pedrinho, Newerton; Elias.
Manager: Arda Turan
Prediction
Inter will be determined to make the most of their home advantage and finally get their Champions League campaign moving. Their unbeaten record against Shakhtar in recent meetings, combined with their strong domestic form, gives them reason to approach the contest with confidence.
However, Shakhtar’s impressive start under Turan means the visitors should not be underestimated. Their attacking quality could cause problems for Inter, particularly if the hosts struggle to turn possession into clear-cut chances.
Inter remain favourites to secure all three points, but Shakhtar are capable of finding the net and making this a competitive encounter. The Nerazzurri could edge the contest by a narrow margin, ending their European losing streak while leaving the visitors with something to show for their efforts.
Predicted score: Inter Milan 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk.
