Internacional (home)
- Paulo Pezzolano’s Internacional have topped their Gauchão group with nine points from four games and a +6 goal difference, rotating youth and first teamers and looking stronger with each passing game.
- The new Uruguayan head coach appears to have found his foundation and will probably select his best starting XI for the opening game of the season.
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He will look to Félix Torres, who has made an immediate impact on Inter’s defense, to anchor the backline, while Diego Coser, a young Inter attacker with a buzzing work ethic, has come good with some important goals, including a crucial winner.
- Internacional have won three of their last four matches.
- Their two most recent wins were a 4-0 away and a 2-0 home victory.
Athletico Paranaense (away)
- Athletico Paranaense finished third in their Paranaense group with ten points, just enough to make the quarter-finals after a 4-1 win in their last match.
- Odair Hellmann favours a compact, pragmatic 4-2-3-1 system with two reliable holding midfielders and a double pivot that can hold their shape and hit on the break.
Head-to-Head
The two teams have met 42 times, with Internacional winning 17 , drawing 10 and Athletico Paranaense winning 15 .
Key Players
- Félix Torres - immediate defensive impact and likely anchor of Inter’s backline.
- Diego Coser - young attacker with a buzzing work ethic who has scored important goals.
- Bruninho - a revelation for Athletico’s youngsters, contributing goals and intelligent movement.
- Johan Carbonero - could feature for Inter depending on fitness, with pace and presence to add width and penetration.
Betting Insights
- Backing Both Teams To Score at 1.77 looks appealing for this Série A opener.
- Bookmakers list Internacional at 1.95, Athletico at 4.0 and the draw at 3.25.
Prediction
- A stylistic clash and youthful confidence on both sides could produce an end-to-end game.
- Back Internacional to edge out a narrow home win as they should have the edge in front of their crowd.
