Inzaghi devises strategy to help Inter Milan players arrive for Barcelona clash in best possible condition | OneFootball

Ahead of the crucial second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Inter Milan, both clubs are taking similar approaches to keep their squads fresh.

According to SPORT, Inter manager Simone Inzaghi has crafted a comprehensive rotation strategy, mirroring the plan Hansi Flick is expected to execute at Barcelona.

The goal for both coaches is clear: to arrive at the second leg in peak physical condition and with renewed energy.

Inter to make several changes

For Inter, this means a sweeping overhaul of the starting XI in their Serie A clash against Hellas Verona. As many as nine changes are expected compared to the side that took the field at Montjuic.

Only goalkeeper Yann Sommer and defender Yann Aurel Bisseck are likely to retain their places.

Among the expected changes, Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni will be rested, with fresh legs coming into central defence.

Inter Milan will make several changes for their league game. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

On the flanks, Matteo Darmian is set to start ahead of Denzel Dumfries on the right, while Nicola Zalewski will cover for Federico Dimarco on the left.

In midfield, Inzaghi will rotate completely, deploying Kristjan Asllani, Davide Frattesi, and Piotr Zielinski in place of Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Nicolo Barella.

Up front, Inter face a forced change: Lautaro Martínez is injured and will not only miss Verona but also the return leg against Barcelona. Marcus Thuram is expected to be rested too, following a physically demanding match at Montjuic.

Flick to make changes as well

Meanwhile, Flick is also planning to rotate heavily for the weekend fixture against Real Valladolid.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen could return between the posts for the first time since his long injury absence. In defence, Andreas Christensen is in line for a start, while Gavi and Hector Fort are also expected to be part of the starting XI.

Both clubs are clearly prioritising freshness and energy for the all-important return leg, where a place in the Champions League final will be on the line.