How New Champions League Format Took Its Toll On Inter Milan Standout Attacking Duo | OneFootball

The new UEFA Champions League (UCL) format has taken a heavy toll on Serie A champions Inter Milan this season.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, a higher volume of matches has affected Inter’s star attacking pairing.

Indeed, Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram have not spent enough time on the pitch together.

That has been a significant problem for Simone Inzaghi on either side of the Christmas break.

How New UCL Format Crippled Inter Milan Attacking Duo

LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 26: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on January 26, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

A brutal fixture schedule has often forced Inzaghi to rotate his regular starters, including Lautaro and Thuram.

Furthermore, El Toro struggled for form and consistency in the first half of the season.

Meanwhile, the Frenchman was Inter’s driving force in attack during the Argentine’s rough patch.

However, Ticus’ form has dwindled in 2025, largely thanks to recurring fitness problems.

It’s fair to say that Inzaghi never had the famous Thu-La tandem at their best this term.

Hopefully, the dynamic duo could deliver when it matters the most as we enter the business end of an intense season.