The Champions League spotlight shifts to the San Siro this Tuesday as the competition’s most formidable defences collide in a high-stakes league-phase encounter.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal arrive in Milan as the only side in the competition with a flawless 100% record, seeking a historic seventh consecutive victory to cement their status as the tournament’s team to beat. For Inter Milan, currently leading Serie A but reeling from back-to-back European defeats, this fixture represents a vital opportunity to get their top-eight ambitions back on track. While the Gunners have already guaranteed a play-off spot, the chance to set a new club record in Europe ensures there will be no lack of intensity under the lights in Italy.
- Date: Tuesday, 20 January 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: San Siro (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza), Milan
- Referee: João Pinheiro (POR)
- VAR: João Gonçalves (POR) / Tiago Martins (POR)
- Last Meeting: Inter Milan 1–0 Arsenal (November 2024)
Team News
Inter Milan
The Nerazzurri face significant selection challenges as they look to snap their European losing streak. Influential playmaker Hakan Çalhanoğlu remains sidelined with a calf injury, while Denzel Dumfries is out until mid-March following ankle surgery. Tomás Palacios continues his recovery from a thigh issue, and goalkeepers Josep Martínez and Raffaele Di Gennaro are also unavailable. Despite these absences, Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram are expected to lead the line for the Italian leaders.
Arsenal
The Gunners travelled to Italy with a slightly bolstered squad, welcoming Kai Havertz and Cristhian Mosquera back into the fold. However, Piero Hincapié (groin) and Riccardo Calafiori (muscle) remain unavailable. Gabriel Jesus has also been re-registered in the Champions League squad, replacing teenage star Max Dowman, who is sidelined with an ankle injury and will be ineligible until February. Bukayo Saka participated in open training on Monday but remains a candidate for rotation; manager Mikel Arteta has suggested Saka may be rested to manage a minor “niggle” ahead of the weekend’s clash with Manchester United.
Form
Inter Milan
Inter arrive in peak domestic form, sitting three points clear at the top of Serie A. However, their European campaign has hit a snag with back-to-back defeats that have jeopardised their top-eight ambitions. Before their recent loss to Liverpool, the Nerazzurri were unbeaten in 18 consecutive Champions League home matches, making the San Siro a historically difficult venue for visitors.
Arsenal
The Gunners are the tournament’s form team, sitting top of the league phase with 18 points from six games. They have been defensively immense, conceding just once in the competition so far. Notably, an Arsenal victory tonight would mark their longest-ever winning streak in European competition (7 matches). However, they must overcome an “Italian hoodoo,” having failed to win away to a Serie A side in the Champions League since 2008.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Milan Predicted XI (3-5-2): Sommer; Acerbi, Akanji, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Zielinski, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Zubimendi, Merino; Madueke, Jesus, Trossard
How to Watch?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage starting at 18:30 GMT ahead of the 20:00 kick-off. US fans can watch via Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network.
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