The San Siro is set to welcome Inter to host Arsenal in Milan for what promises to be an entertaining match between Europe’s most in-form teams.

But more than that, it’s a chance This is to demonstrate the qualifications of both teams, who have not won a European title in recent years despite dominating the competition.

For Arsenal, who lead the Premier League and Champions League, continental silverware has been unavailable for the first time this century and is seen as a top priority for club and fans alike.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Riccardo Calafioli of Arsenal celebrates scoring his first goal for the team with teammate Gabriel Martinelli during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in Manchester, England on August 17, 2025. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Inter, on the other hand, have lost two of the last three Champions League finals and will be disappointed not to be able to add another European Cup to their trophy cabinet.

So far this season, Arsenal have conceded just 15 goals across 28 games in the Premier League and Europe. The Gunners have conceded just one goal in six games on the continent as they continue to prove that their defense is the best in the world.

Inter, on the other hand, were not short of goals. Coach Cristian Chivu’s rich attacking options have allowed them to score 44 goals in Serie A, 10 more than champions Napoli, who have scored the second most goals this season.

The Nerazzurri have had relatively little action in the Champions League, but have found the back of the net 12 times in their first six games.

Udine, Italy – January 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale on January 17, 2026 at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

So we have an “immovable object vs. an unstoppable force” scenario here, with Chivu’s free-flowing, goal-scoring Inter facing the most difficult-to-break defense in the competition.

Just to be clear, the Kivu have options, but the Gunners can’t count on them. Ange-Joan Bony, Francesco Pio Esposito, Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez are all available for Inter, with Pio Esposito and Lautaro starting together in recent games and working well as a partnership.

Meanwhile, Arsenal continue to be plagued by injuries in their defense, with Piero Hincapie and former Bologna defender Riccardo Calafioli both expected to miss the trip to San Siro. However, Gabriel and William Saliba are both fit and available and are expected to play key roles at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.

Arsenal in big jeopardy to overcome past demons Inter

The last team to beat Arsenal in a Champions League group stage (now known as league stage) match was Inter last season.

Since then, the Gunners have won every match. Lost 1-0 to Inter, led by Simone Inzaghi.won thanks to Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty kick.

Inter Milan players celebrate a 1-0 goal during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Inter and Arsenal FC at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 6, 2024 in Milan, Italy. EPA-EFE/NICOLA MARFISI

Aside from Arsenal’s elimination at the hands of eventual winners PSG in the knockout stages, the Nerazzurri are the only team to have beaten Mikel Arteta’s side in a competitive game, so there is something special at stake here for both clubs.

Inter will be hoping to prove they haven’t regressed since Inzaghi’s departure last summer, while Arsenal will be further boosted by a win at one of their only stadiums to fail.

Inter vs Arsenal – Expected lineup

Intel: Summer; Bisek, Akanji, Bastoni. Luis Enrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco. Thuram, Lautaro

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber. Reis, Zvimendi, Odegaard. Saka, Gokeres, Martinelli