Shakhtar v Inter: Italians lacking defensive solidity

Shakhtar v Inter: Italians lacking defensive solidity

Inter are conceding regularly and Dan Fitch thinks that Shakhtar will get on the scoresheet against the Serie A champions.

Inter have strength to compete

Shakhtar and Inter are both without a point, after losing their respective opening games in the Champions League.

It was Shakhtar that have reason to be most disappointed at having lost. They were beaten 2-0 by Sheriff, which was one of the biggest shocks of the first round of games and leaves Shakhtar bottom of Group D.

Inter lost 1-0 at home to Real Madrid, in a game in which the decisive goal was not scored until the 89th minute. Since that loss, they have gone on a three match unbeaten run, beating Bologna and Fiorentina, before drawing with Atalanta over the weekend.

The reigning Serie A champions are undoubtedly weaker than last season, having lost Antonio Conte and key players such as Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku over the summer. Yet they still should be strong enough to compete for the title again this season, under new manager Simone Inzaghi. The 35-year old Edin Dzeko has proved to be an astute signing, with the veteran having scored five goals in seven appearances.

Inter making a habit of conceding

Inter are the favourites at 1.61, with the draw at 4.3 and Shakhtar at 5.5.

The Italians are certainly the most likely victors, but their price looks a little slim considering that they've only won two of their last five games (D2 L1). Inter have conceded in each of their last six games and that could be key to finding some value.

Both teams to score is 1.8. If you want to back an Inter win, you can combine an away victory and both teams to score and get odds of 3.1.