Inter Milan will aim to secure a top-two spot in Group E of the FIFA Club World Cup when they face Buenos Aires-based club River Plate at Lumen Field Stadium in Seattle on June 26th, 2025, at 02:00 GMT.
The two teams are level at the top of the group with four points. Although Inter Milan needed to rely on a stoppage time winner from Valentin Carboni in the 92nd minute, when they faced the Japanese side, Urawa Red Diamonds last time out.
Match Preview
Inter Milan has been a formidable force in European football in recent years, finishing as runners-up in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, as we mentioned in our football stats page dedicated to the UEFA Champions League results.
However, their recent form has been inconsistent, with a 5-0 defeat in the Champions League final and a second-place finish in Serie A behind Napoli, alongside a Coppa Italia semi-final loss to arch-rivals Milan. Inter’s performances against Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds set the tone in the group stage. Their defensive solidity—conceding just two goals in their last four Serie A matches—also remains a strength.
River Plate, managed by Marcelo Gallardo, have been dominant in South American football, qualifying as one of CONMEBOL’s top-ranked teams. Their group-stage matches have showcased their attacking flair, with 38-time Argentine champions known for their high-pressing style.
However, River Plate have struggled historically in the Club World Cup, finishing as runners-up in 2015 and failing to win in four previous appearances. Their recent form includes a strong run, which has seen them produce five wins in their last eight games in all competitions.
Head-to-head, Inter and River Plate have never met in competitive fixtures, making this a fresh tactical battle. Inter’s European experience gives them an edge, but River Plate’s relentless energy and passionate fanbase could pose a challenge. Inter have kept two clean sheets in their last six matches across all competitions, but they’ve failed to score in one of their last three. River Plate, meanwhile, have been prolific, netting in every game this season but conceding in four of their last five outings.
Inter boss Cristian Chivu will be wary of his side’s vulnerability after heavy defeats in key matches, while Gallardo’s River Plate have been unbeaten in their last 19 competitive outings over 90 minutes. At Lumen Field, a neutral venue, Inter’s tactical discipline will be tested against River Plate’s dynamic attacking play. The Italians have won three of their last five away or neutral-venue matches, while River Plate have secured victories in two of their last four away games.
Inter Milan FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Monterrey: 1-1 (D) 18/06/2025
- Urawa Red Diamonds: 2-1 (W) 21/06/2025
Inter Milan form (all competitions):
- L (N) 0-5 against PSG (Champions League) 31/05/25
- W (A) 2-0 against Como (Serie A) 23/05/25
- W (A) 2-0 against Torino (Serie A) 11/05/25
- D (A) 3-3 against Barcelona (Champions League) 30/04/25
- L (A) 0-1 against Bologna (Serie A) 20/04/25
River Plate FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Urawa Red Diamonds: 3-1 (W) 17/06/2025
- Monterrey: 0-0 (D) 22/06/2025
River Plate form (all competitions):
- D (H) 1-1 against Universitario FC (Copa Libertadores) 28/05/25
- D (H) 1-1 against Platense (Primera Division) 21/05/25
- W (H) 6-2 against Ind. Del Valle (Copa Libertadores) 16/05/25
- W (H) 3-0 against Barracas (Primera Division) 13/05/25
- W (A) 3-2 against Barcelona (Copa Libertadores) 09/05/25
Team News
For Inter Milan, Chivu is likely to field a strong line-up, with striker Lautaro Martínez leading the attack after his standout Serie A season, scoring 18 goals. Midfielders Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu are expected to control the tempo, while wing-backs Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco provide width. Defenders Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij may anchor the backline, with Yann Sommer in goal. Injuries are a concern, as defender Yann Bisseck, midfielder Piotr Zieliński, and forward Marcus Thuram could miss out through injuries.
River Plate could deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with striker Facundo Colidio spearheading the attack. Wingers Franco Mastantuono and Maximiliano Meza are likely to stretch Inter’s defence, while Enzo Pérez and Guiliano Galoppo provide stability in midfield. Defenders Paulo Diaz and Lucas Martinez Quarta are expected to start, with Franco Armani in goal. River Plate have a fully fit squad, giving Gallardo flexibility in his selections.
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Pavard, Bastoni, de Vrij; Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Esposito, Martínez
River Plate possible starting lineup:
Armani; Acuna, Martinez Quarta, P. Díaz, Montiel; Pérez, Kranevitter, Galoppo; Meza, Colidio, Mastantuono
We say: Inter Milan 2-1 River Plate
While River Plate’s attacking prowess and unbeaten run make them a dangerous opponent, Inter’s experience in high-stakes matches and defensive organisation should see them edge this encounter. Expect a tightly contested game, with Inter’s clinical finishing from Martínez proving the difference.
