Just one week ago, Inter Milan of Serie A and Tottenham Hotspur of the Premier League took to the pitch for the first leg of their round of 16 tie in the UEFA Europa League.
On Thursday, the two big-name clubs will square off at one of the most historic venues in the sport, the Stadio Guiseppe Meazza, or the San Siro as it is known by many.
Team News
Tottenham:
With Bale out of the line-up because of his disciplinary suspension, Spurs will need someone else to up in the attack.
One player that could replace Bale in the starting 11 is American Clint Dempsey, who is close to recovering from an injured calf that has kept him out of the Tottenham lineup for the last four matches.
Dempsey's coach, Jurgen Klinsmann, revealed in an interview this week that Dempsey"hopes to play" against Inter on Thursday (via SportingNews.com).
Another strong attacking player that Tottenham have in their squad could miss out on Thursday's trip to the San Siro.
Aaron Lennon did not start against Liverpool on Sunday and thehamstring injury that kept him out of that match could force him to miss the clash with Inter as well (via Daily Mail).
Inter Milan:
Andrea Stramaccioni was forced to field a weakened starting 11 in the first leg due to an injury crisis at the club.
The Inter manager was concerned about the selection process for the second leg as well after his club lost to Bologna in Serie A on Sunday.
“I will again have to make some difficult decisions. We want to honour the game, but my decisions will above all have to be based on fitness levels.” - Andrea Stramaccioni speaking to Goal.com.
Prediction
Inter 2-1 Tottenham (Tottenham Advances on Aggregate 4-2)
Tottenham brings a massive three-goal advantage into the San Siro and Inter Milan does not have any away goals to break a tie with.
Despite not having Bale in the line-up, Tottenham should be able to come out of Italy with a berth in the quarter-finals.
Source: DSG
