Lille Vs. Inter Milan, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Internazionale Hold On For 1-0 Win

Inter Milan were far from their best on Tuesday night, but they were still able to walk away from France with three points in hand. They're now very much in control of their own destiny in Group B of the UEFA Champions League, thanks to a 1-0 win over Lille. Inter sat back and let the hosts have possession for the majority of the game, but the French champions didn't have the quality to break through, despite suffering 18 fouls - many of which were in dangerous areas - and winning 12 corner kicks.

Moussa Sow looked rusty in his return from injury, while Joe Cole and Eden Hazard were far from their best. The midfield was solid and Lille saw a boost when Dimitri Payet entered the game as a substitute in the 63rd minute, but even his influence couldn't create a goal.

Inter's winner came early, through Giampaolo Pazzini. In the 21st minute, he played a one-two with Wesley Sneijder, who hit a through ball for Mauro Zarate to run onto. Pazzini continued his run into the box and got onto a cross for Zarate that he was able to finish, putting his team ahead for good. Joel Obi and Dejan Stankovic came in for Mauro Zarate and Wesley Sneijder early in the second half, and that was all she wrote.

Inter Milan haven't gotten off to the greatest start in their UEFA Champions League campaign, but they're well on their way towards taking control of Group B, thanks to a goal by Giampaolo Pazzini. The Nerazzurri lead Lille by a score of 1-0 at halftime, and they're 45 minutes away from what would be an absolutely fantastic result. Lille will have gone into this match thinking that they needed a point at home to stay in control of their own destiny.

Wesley Sneijder, Mauro Zarate and Pazzini all combined well for the goal, with Zarate providing the assist on a cross. Opportunities to score have been few and far between for both teams, but Inter were able to capitalize on their one great opportunity thanks to one flash of brilliance and some great combination play.

Lille have had more of the ball and were very aggressive in the five minutes following Pazzini's goal, but were unable to break through. The front three of Joe Cole, Eden Hazard and Moussa Sow has not looked particularly effective, though Lille's midfield three is having a very good game.

Lille have had much more of the possession in the early going in their UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan, but the Nerazzurri have snatched the lead on the road after 21 minutes, thanks to a goal by striker Giampaolo Pazzini. The front three of Inter combined brilliantly for the goal, and Lille now have to dig themselves out of a serious hole.

Inter manager Claudio Ranieri said in the build-up to the match that the return of Wesley Sneijder would make the difference in his team, and so far that statement has proven correct. Sneijder and Pazzini started the move with a wonderful one-two combination before Sneijder played a through ball to Mauro Zarate down the left flank. Zarate got to the ball and cut back the ball towards the penalty spot, where Pazzini made a late run. The timing was perfect and an unmarked Pazzini powered a classy finish into the back of the net, giving Inter a massive lead.

Lille and Inter Milan probably won't be doing anything surprising in terms of their formations or style of play this evening, but there are a few surprises with the individual player selections. Inter have started two true right backs, a left back who can play central defense, and one true central defender. They'll probably make up a back four with one of the right backs playing on the left. Lille, meanwhile, have put Moussa Sow right back into the starting lineup after he recovered from an injury. Here are the lineups.

Lille Lineup (4-3-3): Enyeama; Beria, Basa. Debuchy, Chedjou; Mavuba, Balmont, Pedretti; Hazard, Sow, Cole

Inter Milan Lineup (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar; Nagatomo, Chivu, Lucio, Maicon; Thiago Motta, Cambiasso, Zanetti; Sneijder; Pazzini, Zarate

Mauro Zarate and Thiago Motta are both slight surprise inclusions in the starting lineup, with most believing that Diego Forlan and Joel Obi would start in those places. Kickoff is at 2:45 pm ET, 8:45 pm local time.