Football Buzzer
Inter Milan continue their Club World Cup redemption quest with a last-16 clash against Fluminense on Monday. In what promises to be a captivating meeting of European pedigree and South American craft, both sides will battle for a place in the quarter-finals in Charlotte.
Match Preview
Cristian Chivu’s Inter Milan arrive in the knockout rounds having topped Group E, but their progress has been anything but straightforward. After an opening draw with Monterrey and a tense comeback over Urawa Red Diamonds, it took late goals against River Plate to finally secure first place.
Despite showing flashes of the quality that carried them to last season’s Champions League final, Inter remain a work in progress under new management. The psychological scars of losing out on major silverware last term linger, though back-to-back wins have helped restore belief.
Standing in their path is a seasoned Fluminense side unbeaten in nine matches and boasting an enviable record against Italian opposition. Renato Gaucho’s team edged past Ulsan and drew with Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns to qualify as Group F runners-up.
The Rio giants are anchored by veterans like Thiago Silva and German Cano, while 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio remains an ever-present in goal. Their defensive resilience—four clean sheets in their last five—makes them a stubborn test for Inter’s creative players.
With a likely quarter-final meeting against Manchester City or Al-Hilal, there is no room for error. Whether Inter can impose their tempo or Flu can grind them down will define this first-ever official meeting between these storied clubs.
Team News
Inter Milan are set to continue with Francesco Pio Esposito partnering Lautaro Martinez up front, with Marcus Thuram doubtful but potentially fit for the bench. Mehdi Taremi remains unavailable, while Hakan Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Pavard, and Bisseck have returned home.
Fluminense could recall Thiago Silva if he shakes off a muscular issue, but Ignacio impressed last time out. Yeferson Soteldo is back in full training and may feature. Veteran duo Ganso and Cano are expected to start on the bench.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Milan predicted lineup
Sommer; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Augusto; F. P. Esposito, Martinez
Fluminense predicted lineup
Fabio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Rene; Hercules, Martinelli; Arias, Nonato, Canobbio; Everaldo
Prediction
- Prediction: Inter Milan 1-1 Fluminense (Fluminense win after extra time and penalties)
Fluminense have shown grit and experience while Inter are still searching for consistency. This could be tight, and if it drags into extra time, the Brazilians’ calm under pressure could be decisive.
