Inter Milan vs Arsenal – Combined XI ahead of San Siro clash | OneFootball

Inter Milan welcome Arsenal to the San Siro this evening as one of European football’s great venues stages a huge clash.

Both teams are unbeaten in the Champions League this season and yet to concede a goal, while each have ambitions of ending the campaign as champions in their respective leagues.

It promises to be a fascinating encounter, the first between the teams in 21 years. Ahead of the game, we’ve picked our Combined XI from the two squads, using only available players.

Inter Milan vs Arsenal – Combined XI ahead of San Siro clash

Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal

Yann Sommer has been an astute addition for Inter with the veteran leading Europe’s top five leagues for clean sheets in 2023/24.

David Raya earns the nod in goal, however, with the Spaniard central to Arsenal’s own defensive security. This season he has produced some spectacular saves, including a remarkable double-stop against Atalanta on matchday one.

Right-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal

After an ACL injury decimated his debut campaign at Arsenal, Jurrien Timber has slotted seamlessly into the side this season. The Dutchman has deputised right across the back four, mixing aggressive off-the-ball defending with cool and composure on it.

Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal

Speaking of cool and composure…

William Saliba is the epitome of effortless defending, with the Frenchman rarely flustered even when facing the best. Still just 23, his ceiling still remains unclear

Centre-back: Gabriel – Arsenal

Though recent results have dipped, Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have a case to call themselves the best defensive pairing in the world at the moment. The latter has been a colossal presence in both boxes for the Gunners and has developed a knack for scoring big goals.

Centre-back: Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan

Inter Milan’s fortress-like defence was the foundation for their Scudetto success last season, with no team in Europe’s top five leagues conceding fewer goals. Alessandro Bastoni might just be Serie A’s best centre-back, in a league that traditionally has been famed for elite defenders. His marauding runs forward and progressive ball use excel in Inzaghi’s back-three system.

Left-back: Federico Dimarco – Inter Milan

Given our use of a wing-back system, it would be foolish not to utilise a player who has made that position his own. Dimacro has taken an unorthodox route to the top but is now an instrumental part of Inzaghi’s side. Last season, the Italian scored five goals and created six more during the club’s title-winning triumph.

Midfield: Nicolo Barella – Inter Milan

The heartbeat of the Inter Milan midfield. Barella’s box-to-box influence has made him one of Serie A’s standout stars in the blue and black. All energy, relentless running, and technical quality, his decision to sign a new deal in the summer was massive for the Nerazzurri.

Midfield: Martin Odegaard – Arsenal

Martin Odegaard is in line to return for Arsenal this evening and how the Gunners have missed him. There’s no replacement for Odegaard’s invention and industry, with the Norwegian the hustling conduit of the Arsenal attack. His return can not come soon enough for an Arsenal side who have dipped of late.

Right-wing: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

A certain inclusion, Bukayo Saka’s consistency has set him apart from his peers. The 23-year-old leads the Premier League for assists in 2024/25 and will be looking to extend a remarkable record in the Champions League this evening. He has five goals and four assists in 11 games since his debut in the competition last season.

Left-wing: Marcus Thuram – Inter Milan

Inter Milan have become masters of the free transfer in recent windows and Marcus Thuram has been one of their best. Snapped up from Borussia Monchengladbach, Thuram helped Inter to the Scudetto last season and has started the new season on fire. The Frenchman has seven goals in 11 league games – only Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui has more.

Forward: Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan

Lautaro Martinez admitted he felt a little aggrieved to finish only seventh in the Ballon d’Or. The Argentine’s argument was a strong one, following a spectacular season for club and country.

Martinez was the leading scorer in Serie A with 24 goals as Inter won the title, earning the division’s Most Valuable Player award. He followed that season with a starring role as Argentina won the Copa America, where his five goals – including the final winner against Colombia – earned him the Golden Boot. Few footballers, anywhere, had a better 2023/24.

Read – Iconic Performances: Thierry Henry’s irresistible display at Inter

See more – Inter vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok