Inter Milan vs Porto: Scouting the Enemy

With Inter’s Champions League Round of 16 clash with Porto barely 24 hours away, we checked in with Aaron from Próxima Jornada, a website on all things Portuguese football, to get the low down on the Nerazzurri’s opponents. Follow them on Twitter here and be sure to check out their website.

Photo by Diogo Cardoso/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Q: How would you describe Porto’s playing style under Sergio Conceicao?

A: Porto, particularly in the UEFA Champions league, are usually resolute under Conceição. They kept three clean sheets from their six matches, including two clean sheets away from home. In the Primeira Liga they have conceded just 12 all season, fewer than any other side. Porto are not a side that lacks fire in their belly and even though they’ve been ravaged by injuries they’ve managed to pull up their socks and go on a superb winning run.

Photo by Diogo Cardoso/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Q: What are their strengths and weaknesses? What players could cause Inter the most problems?

A: Mehdi Taremi is a huge strength for Porto, having a player that accomplished both in front of goal and in terms of his link-up play means Porto have a chance no matter the opposition. In the UCL alone this season he has 5 goals and 2 assists in just 5 games, outstanding numbers. Brazilian winger Pepê is a bit of a livewire and has started the last four league games and has scored two and provided one assist during that time.

Photo by Adam Davy - PA Images via Getty Images

Q: What’s your prediction for Wednesday’s first leg?

A: Honestly, it all depends on who Conceição has available, if Otávio, Matheus Uribe and Galeno all miss out through injury, I’d be inclined to go with an Inter win - especially with it being at the San Siro. It’ll definitely be an interesting clash between two great teams with European pedigree.

A big thanks to Aaron for stopping by!