UEFA Champions League runners-up, Inter Milan, will play Brazilian side Fluminense in a Round of 16 match of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on June 30th, 2025, at 20:00 GMT. According to our football facts, this will be the first meeting between the teams.
Match Preview
This clash pits a European powerhouse adapting to new leadership against a resilient South American side known for defensive solidity. The winner advances to the quarter-finals, potentially facing Chelsea, Benfica, Botafogo, or Palmeiras.
Inter are navigating a transitional phase under new manager Cristian Chivu, who replaced Simone Inzaghi after the latter’s move to Al-Hilal. Despite a slightly underwhelming group stage (W2, D1, L0), including a 1-1 draw with Monterrey, a 2-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds, and a 2-0 victory against River Plate, Inter topped Group E with seven points. Fluminense, meanwhile, secured their spot with a disciplined group stage performance, keeping two clean sheets in three matches but struggling offensively in a 0-0 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Inter Milan FIFA Club World Cup form:
- CF Monterrey: 1-1 (D) 18/06/2025
- Urawa Red Diamonds: 2-1 (W) 21/06/2025
- River Plate: 2-0 (W) 26/06/2025
Fluminense FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Borussia Dortmund: 0-0 (D) 17/06/2025
- Ulsan HD: 4-2 (W) 21/06/2025
- Mamelodi Sundowns: 0-0 (D) 25/06/2025
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Former Inter Milan and Romanian international player, Cristian Chivu, was appointed as head coach of Inter Milan just before the FIFA Club World Cup started. He will lead his Inter Milan team against Fluminense in the hope of maintaining his unbeaten run since his appointment on a two-year contract. One of Inter’s main attacking threats comes from explosive Dutch international wing-back Dumfries, who will be looking to supply Lautaro Martinez.
Fluminense come into this game with a team of players who may not be household names to European supporters, but which may cause Inter some concerns as they are not sure what to expect. The Brazilian team proved they are fearless against top European competition after drawing with Borussia Dortmund in their opening group match.
Inter Milan
Inter’s squad is regaining strength with key players returning from injury. However, Hakan Calhanoglu (thigh, only doubtful), Davide Frattesi (muscle), Marcus Thuram (flexor), Piotr Zielinski (calf), Benjamin Pavard (unspecified), and Yann Bisseck (thigh) may miss out. Sebastiano Esposito, who scored against River Plate, is likely to partner captain Lautaro Martinez up top as Thuram continues recovery. Chivu typically deploys a 3-5-2 formation, emphasising wing-back play and midfield dynamism.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Sommer; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Esposito
Key Absences: Francesco Acerbi (hamstring, doubtful), Marcus Thuram (flexor, doubtful)
Key Player: Lautaro Martinez – The captain’s clinical finishing (2 goals in the tournament) will be crucial against Fluminense’s tight defence.
Fluminense
Fluminense has no new injury concerns or suspensions. Thiago Silva, who rested in their last group match, is expected to anchor the defence alongside Freytes. Yosimar Soteldo remains sidelined with a muscle injury, while Lima, Agustín Canobbio, and Manoel are also doubtful. Manager Fernando Diniz favours a 4-2-3-1 setup, relying on German Cano for goals and Jhon Arias for creativity.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Fabio; Samuel Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Rene; Hercules, Martinelli; Arias, Nonato, Canobbio; Cano
Key Absences: Yosimar Soteldo (muscle), Lima (muscle, doubtful), Agustín Canobbio (unknown, doubtful)
Key Player: Thiago Silva – The veteran defender’s experience and composure will be vital to neutralise Inter’s attacking threat.
Tactical Preview
Inter Milan
Inter’s strength lies in their balanced 3-5-2, with wing-backs Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries stretching the pitch and Nicolò Barella dictating play in midfield. Chivu has emphasised quick transitions, but the team has struggled to break down compact defences, as seen in their draw with Monterrey. Inter’s recent 2-0 win over River Plate, with goals from Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni, suggests growing confidence, but injuries and a new managerial system could lead to inconsistency. They’ll aim to dominate possession (averaging 62% in the group stage) and exploit Fluminense’s flanks.
Fluminense
Fluminense’s disciplined 4-2-3-1 prioritises defensive structure, with Thiago Silva and Freytes forming a robust centre-back pairing. Their two clean sheets in the group stage highlight their ability to frustrate opponents, but a lack of cutting edge upfront (4 goals in 3 matches) could be a concern. Diniz’s side excels in counter-attacks, with Jhon Arias and German Cano posing threats on the break. Fluminense outshot Borussia Dortmund 14-7 in a 0-0 draw, showing they can compete with top teams, but they’ll need to be clinical against Inter’s high press.
Key Battles
- Lautaro Martinez vs. Thiago Silva: Martinez’s movement and finishing will test Silva’s positioning and experience.
- Federico Dimarco vs. Samuel Xavier: Dimarco’s overlapping runs could expose Fluminense’s right-back, Xavier, if he is caught out of position.
- Nicolò Barella vs. Matheus Martinelli: Barella’s energy and passing range will challenge Martinelli’s ability to disrupt Inter’s midfield rhythm.
Stats and Trends
- Inter Milan: Scored 5 goals and conceded 2 in the group stage, with Lautaro Martinez leading with 2 goals. They’ve won 2 of their last 3 Club World Cup matches but failed to keep a clean sheet in two of those group encounters.
- Fluminense: Scored 4 goals and conceded 2 in the group stage, with 2 clean sheets. The Brazilian side is unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions.
- Head-to-Head: No prior meetings between the two sides in competitive fixtures.
Prediction
Inter Milan 2-1 Fluminense
Inter Milan enter as favourites due to their squad depth and attacking quality, but Fluminense’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat make them a tricky opponent. Chivu’s side showed improvement against River Plate, and the potential return of Calhanoglu to the midfield could aid their control of the centre of the park. However, Fluminense’s ability to keep clean sheets and their experience in high-stakes matches (e.g., Copa Libertadores) suggest they can keep this close.
