INTER MILAN and Atletico Madrid square off in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
After reaching the final of last season's competition before coming up short against Man City, Simeone Inzaghi's placed second in Group D behind Real Sociedad.
However, it's worth noting that the Nerazzurri avoided defeat in each of their six group games this term, not to mention they are currently enjoying a mightily impressive season in Serie A.
Last time out, Inter swatted aside Salernitana 4-0, extending their lead at the summit of Italian-top-flight standings in the process.
As for Atletico Madrid, they also navigated their way to the last 16 without tasting defeat, topping Group E with a four-point buffer over second-placed Lazio.
Diego Simeone's side returned to winning ways in on Saturday La Liga after dishing out a 5-0 pummelling when playing host to Las Palmas.
Outright Betting
Inter Milan, who have avoided defeat in each of their last eight Champions League home games, are 4/5 favourites on Bet 365.
Atletico Madrid have triumphed in just one of their last seven Champions League away games and the bookmakers' odds suggest that trend will continue, with the visitors 10/3 (William Hill) outsiders while a San Siro stalemate is an unfancied 13/5 (Bet 365).
Betting Angles
Inter are just a little too skinny for my liking here so I'm therefore going to highlight an alternative offering in the player props market.
Atletico Madrid's Axel Witsel has been priced up at even-money on Bet 365 to commit a solitary foul during this San Siro showdown and that looks too big to ignore.
With Inter powered by the goal-scoring prowess of deadly duo Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, the aforementioned Witsel and Co will have their hands full at the back on Tuesday night.
What's more, the Belgian utility man has never been one to shy away from a tackle, posting an average of 1.3 fouls per 90 across the entirety of his stellar career to date.
In terms of this season, the 35-year-old has been reprimanded by the referee at least once in six of his last seven appearances for the Spanish giants, as well as five of his last six outings away from the Wanda Metropolitano.
With all that in mind, coupled with Diego Simeone's warriors being one of the masters of the dark arts of the game, siding with just one Axel Witsel on Tuesday night foul stands out at even-money (Bet 365).
Switching attention to the aforementioned Lautaro Martínez, I'm also prepared to back the Inter Milan striker in the To Score or Assist market at 20/21 (Bet 365).
Atletico Madrid's defensive standards have slipped in recent seasons so Argentine ace Martínez makes plenty of appeal to add to his staggering tally of 28 goal involvements in 31 appearances across all competitions this season so far.
This UEFA Champions League match between Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid will be played on Feb 20, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
