Inter director Beppe Marotta does not entirely deny that the ‘rational decisions’ show Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League is less important than their Serie A trip to Udinese.
It kicks off at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
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The Nerazzurri started this tournament with a 2-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich, so this is a must-win match to stay in the fight for the Round of 16, or at least third place in the group and passage to the Europa League.
So it seems curious that Simone Inzaghi is resting so many players, giving Francesco Acerbi his debut in defence.
“These are rational decisions in the light of the fixture list and the squad at our disposal. I think this sort of rotation is only right,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“It is an important game because there are two objectives. The first is to get the best possible result, the second is to get a strong performance that can boost our self-belief and sense of solidity.”
Lautaro Martinez has been rested along with several other players, so are Inter treating the Champions League match with Viktoria Plzen as less important to them than the Serie A trip to Udinese?
“Certainly, we must not forget that Udine is a tough test, as is tonight’s game. There are different players who can all be relied upon for the type of match and opponent we are up against.”
Andre Onana has again been picked for the Champions League, while Samir Handanovic seems to remain first choice in Serie A.
“It’s the same as for the outfield players, we can count on two very good goalkeepers, so alternating them is a positive, as it means we trust both and both deserve to play. Big clubs tend to have this approach now and we are a big club.”
Marotta was asked how the summit went before the last-gasp 1-0 win over Torino, when the directors visited the training ground to meet with Simone Inzaghi and the squad.
“These are the dynamics that happen at all clubs through a season. We wanted to show our faith in the coach and club, to be by their side and support their activity. The coach and players deserve credit for the performances, in this case we are just behind the scenes.”
Inter has the most deepest squad in Serie a, so rotation should not lower the target to win. You will never find players like Dzeko, Mkhitarian and Correa are benched if they are at other clubs.