Inter Milan vs Sevilla Preview

Inter has done it. The Nerazzurri is in its first European final since a historic night at the Bernabéu in 2010. Antonio Conte’s side marched through Ludogorets, Getafe, Leverkusen, and Shakhtar Donetsk on its way to the final at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany. The job is by no means done, however. Inter has one more opponent left to take down before it can claim its first trophy in a decade. Sevilla.

Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

The Spanish team has traversed a rockier road to the final than Inter, facing CFR Cluj, AS Roma, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Manchester United. Julen Lopetegui’s outfit is still alive, though, and looking to extend its record stash of Europa League titles to six. Both of these teams are excellent defensively. Inter notched seven shutouts in its last nine outings. Sevilla hasn’t conceded a single open play goal in its last five EL matches, and also holds the title of 3rd best defense in La Liga. Meanwhile, ex-Inter player Ever Banega anchors the midfield and has tallied 3 goals and 10 assists in all comps. Marcelo Brozovic will have his hands full, to say the least. Offensively, Lucas Ocampos is the main threat (15g, 4a), but Luuk de Jong and Youssef En-Nesyri are going to cause problems as well.

Predicted Starting XIs

Notes

• Alexis Sanchez may be match-fit after his hamstring injury picked up against Leverkusen.
• Lucas Ocampos, meanwhile, limped off injured in the semi-final, but if he’s available, expect two unchanged starting lineups.

Prediction: Inter Milan 1-0 Sevilla

This game promises to be a tight one, and very little seems to separate the two finalists. The contrasting styles should cancel each other out, but a Romelu Lukaku goal will give Inter the trophy. Forza Inter!