Eintracht Frankfurt travel to Inter Milan ahead of tricky second leg

Eintracht Frankfurt face Inter Milan at the San Siro with a place in the Europa League quarter-finals all to play for.

Last time out, the teams drew 0-0 at the Commerzbank-Arena with the Milan club having an advantage as they will get to play the second leg on home soil. The atmosphere inside the San Siro will play a huge part for Inter Milan as they hope their intimidating atmosphere can inspire the Nerazzurri to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Both goalkeepers were kept busy during the first leg stalemate, Marco Brozovic having a 22nd minute penalty saved by Kevin Trapp to keep the scores level heading into Thursday’s game.

Eintracht’s Serbian striker Luka Jovic has six goals in the competition so far and with the Germans impressively beating Shakhtar Donetsk 6-3 on aggregate in the round of 32, they pose a real threat to the Italians. Frankfurt have been a real force throughout the Europa League this season, winning all six of their games in Group H.

Inter joined the competition after coming third behind Barcelona and Tottenham in Group B of the Champions League and will look for a deep run in Europe as they fight for a continental spot in Serie A.

Inter Milan boss, Luciano Spelletti expressed how much the Europa League means to his side in his pre-match press conference. He stated:

“​Europa League? It’s an important path. We need to think about what we have before and not what will come. We must win the matches that are there. Those who cannot understand these things remain below average.”

Eintracht Franfurt assistant coach Christian Peintinger spoke on the importance of the team scoring an important away goal but also the current situation with players Ante Rebic and David Abraham. He said:

“The 0-0 draw from the first leg isn’t a bad score. Our aim tomorrow will be to not concede. We know that if we score ourselves, we can achieve a lot.”

“Ante Rebic has started working again in Frankfurt. We can’t say for certain yet when he’ll be able to play again. With David Abraham, we’ll see in training today whether he can be involved tomorrow.”

Team News

Inter Milan: 
Doubtful: Brozovic (muscle injury), Miranda (broken nose), Balde (fitness), Nainggolan (muscle injury), Icardi (knee)
Out: Asamoah, Martinez (both suspended), Gagliardini, Joao Mario, Dalbert (all ineligible)

Eintracht Frankfurt
Doubtful: Abraham (fitness), Rebic (knee)
Out: Chandler (fitness), Fernandes (suspended)

The tie is very much in the balance with the Germans confident after their 3-0 thrashing of Fortuna Dusseldorf this weekend, Frankfurt also unbeaten since 19th January.

The Italian giants also won at the weekend against SPAL 2-0 and will look to get past the German side without their marksman Icardi.