Dimarco vs Lamine Yamal

The whole football world has a common opinion: Lamine Yamal is the best young player in the world. The word "young" will soon disappear: best, period.

One question is echoing through the hallways of the Appiano training center without an answer: How to stop Lamine Yamal?

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Dimarco and Bastoni will be tired of Lamine. Photo: DPA

Simone Inzaghi hopes this is not an insurmountable problem for Inter Milan . If Barca can send 40% of their attacks through Yamal, the best dribbler in the Champions League, the balance of the game could be broken.

For now, Federico Dimarco will be directly marking Yamal. Center-back Bastoni and midfielder Mkhitaryan will support.

Dimarco and Bastoni are no strangers to Yamal. In addition to the first leg, they also competed against each other at EURO 2024, when Italy lost 0-1 to Spain.

Denzel Dumfries vs Inigo Martinez

In the first leg at Montjuic, Dumfries showed that he is one of the best right-backs today, being pursued by Barcelona, ​​clubs such as MU, Chelsea, and Man City.

Dumfries is playing to the strengths of Inzaghi's 3-5-2 system. The Dutchman will exploit Barca's left flank, where Balde is not playing and Hansi Flick has to use centre-back Inigo Martinez.

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Dumfries will have a chance to play again in the second leg. Photo: Inter.it

Inigo Martinez has been in great form this season. However, the youth and technique of Dumfries is a challenge for him.

Of course, Dumfries also has to be wary of Raphinha, the left-back and one of Barca's most important players.

Nicolo Barella vs Pedri

In the middle of the pitch, Barella is an important warrior for Inter. The spirit and efficiency of the Italian international determines the style of play that Inzaghi deploys.

Barella has the task of countering Pedri, who is having a fantastic season, being called “the best player in the world in his position” by Toni Kroos.

Kroos' point is backed up by Opta data: Pedri, along with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, were the three players most involved in actions leading to goals, 11 times.

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Barella and Pedri are the hot spots in the middle of the field. Photo: Imago

Barella brings solidity to Inter's midfield, while Pedri dictates play for Barca. Both have been outstanding in the opposition box, with two assists in the Champions League this season.

Marcus Thuram vs Pau Cubarsi

Whether Lautaro Martinez will start or not is still a question. In any case, Marcus Thuram is the highlight of Inter's attack.

Thuram was outstanding in the first leg in Barcelona , ​​with an improvised backheel. The Frenchman is known for his ability to run wide and stretch the opposition defence, creating opportunities for his teammates to finish.

In Barca's defense, Cubarsi is familiar with Inigo Martinez. At Giuseppe Meazza, Inigo plays left wing and Araujo plays center back.

The combination of Cubarsi and Araujo could leave gaps in front of Szczesny's goal, allowing Thuram and Lautaro (or Mehdi Taremi) to take advantage.

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Cubarsi and Inigo were helpless against Thuram's backheel goal. Photo: Inter.it

Yann Aurel Bisseck vs Raphinha

Pavard is likely to only be on the bench for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, so Inter's right-sided centre-back will be Bisseck.

Not a mainstay, with 6 starts in 11 appearances, but Bisseck is still important to Inter. He stands out for his strength and aerial ability.

Bisseck will face Raphinha, who always makes dangerous moves from the left wing to the center. The Brazilian star is competing for the Golden Boot award.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/inter-dau-barca-5-chia-khoa-dinh-doat-ve-chung-ket-cup-c1-2398233.html