Inter Milan revived their European hopes with a good string of results and they now hope to defeat under-strength Juventus and further close the gap behind Europa League places. The Bianconeri defied the odds to reach the Champions League final and with Coppa Italia final scheduled for Wednesday, everything suggests Max Allegri will rest almost all first team regulars at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Inter finally back in business

The Nerazzurri have endured some tough times this season, either side of Roberto Mancini’s arrival, but they somehow managed to get their league campaign back on track. Just as everybody thought that European qualification would remain just a dream, Inter Milan started raising their form and embarked on a seven-match unbeaten run. The Nerazzurri defeated Hellas Verona, AS Roma, Udinese and Lazio to prove they can still match the best sides in Italy on their day, and currently sit just a couple of points behind Europa League positions. The away win over the Biancocelesti must have served as another huge confidence boost and no doubt Inter will give their best to defeat second-string Juventus side and further improve their hopes of achieving a top 6 finish. The hosts have some important missings, especially in the centre of the park, but with the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Mateo Kovacic set to be called into action, the absence of Hernanes and Guarin is unlikely to be such a big problem. And with team’s back line looking much more solid of late, conceding mere three goals in last six fixtures, the hosts have reason for optimism ahead of the clash with the Serie A champions.

Fredy Guarin and Hernanes miss out through injury and suspension, whilst Dodo, Jonathan and Campagnaro are unavailable as well.

Juve make it to Champions League final

Juventus’ season just got a whole lot better as the Bianconeri secured their place in the first Champions League final since 2003, and the Old Lady will have the opportunity to lift the third European Cup title at the same venue where the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli lifted the 2006 World Cup trophy with Italy. The Bianconeri impressed to pip Real Madrid to a place in the final, with Santiago Bernabeu graduate Alvaro Morata scoring in both legs to pile more misery on his former club. Juventus now hope to win the historic treble of titles having also qualified for the Coppa Italia final, and with the clash against Lazio taking place on Wednesday, it is clear that Max Allegri will use the dead rubber against Inter Milan as a perfect opportunity to rest his starters. This is not to say that the Bianconeri will roll over for their league rivals, but the lack of motivation and absence of key men is likely to damage their chances of getting something from Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. The final three league matches will serve as a good chance for Max Allegri to test his fringe players and see who he can count on for the next campaign.

Kwadwo Asamoah and Martin Caceres are out injured, while the likes of Bonucci, Pirlo, Tevez, Vidal and Lichtsteiner will be among those rested.

Verdict

Inter Milan have seriously raised their performances of late and they should have enough left in the tank to defeat what will be a severely weakened Juventus side. With the match at Meazza sandwiched between the CL semi-final and Coppa Italia final, it is clear that the Bianconeri’s thoughts will lie elsewhere.

Top pick: Home win   2.38 (11/8) @ Betfred

Alternative pick 1: Under 2.5 goals   1.87 (20/23) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Icardi to score   2.80 (9/5) @ Betfair