2026-2027 Champions League: Inter vs. Shakhtar, Probable Lineups

Inter faces Shakhtar at 9 p.m. at San Siro in a match for Matchday 3 of the Champions League group stage. Cristian Chivu’s team cannot afford another slip-up after their first two losses to Real Madrid and Bruges: a third consecutive defeat would jeopardize their chances of advancing to the next round. The Ukrainians should not be underestimated: they currently have 4 points following their victory over AEK and a draw against PSV on Matchday 1.

Lautaro Martinez is out with an injury, so Thuram will lead the attack, with either Bonny or Pio Esposito alongside him. Diouf and Dimarco will play on the wings; Calhanoglu and Barella start in midfield, with Mkhitaryan, Sucic, and Zielinski vying for the remaining spot. Martinez remains in goal.

Kaua Elias is Shakhtar’s center forward, with Alisson, Pedrinho, Nazaryna, and Newertton in midfield. Ocheretko plays in front of the defense.

Inter vs. Shakhtar: Probable Lineups
INTER (3-5-2): Josep Martínez; Akanji, Bastoni, Carlos Augusto; Diouf, Barella, Çalhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Bonny, Thuram. Coach: Chivu.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-1-4-1): Riznyk; Tobias, Bondar, Matviyenko, Pedro Henrique; Ocheretko; Alisson, Pedrinho, Nazaryna, Newertton; Kauã Elias. Head Coach: Arda Turan.

“We’re aware that we’ve lost four straight in the Champions League; there’s no need to keep reminding us of that,” said Chivu on the eve of the match. “There’s too much talk about the past; we need to take the field ready and do everything we can to bring home the result. We’ve never said we have to win the Champions League; after losing two games, we just need to focus on tomorrow’s match. The word ‘win’ is the priority.”