Inter Milan Clash with River Plate: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting XI
Two legendary football clubs with rich histories, Inter Milan and River Plate, are set to clash for the very first time in a crucial Club World Cup group stage encounter.
Inter Milan managed to secure a hard-fought win over Urawa Red Diamonds to begin their Club World Cup journey. The Italian giants haven't displayed the same form that took them to the Champions League final just weeks ago, yet they remain in control of their qualification hopes for the knockout phase.
River Plate controlled their opening fixture but couldn't break the deadlock against Monterrey in a physical and intense battle. The Argentine powerhouse currently leads Group E, though they now face their most challenging opponent in the competition thus far.
For both Inter Milan and River Plate, the equation is straightforward: Victory secures group leadership, while defeat likely means elimination from the tournament.
Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this enticing Club World Cup showdown.
What Time Does Inter Milan vs. River Plate Kick-Off?
Inter Milan vs. River Plate Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive encounter between Inter Milan and River Plate.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Inter Milan | River Plate |
|---|---|
Inter Milan 2–1 Urawa Red Diamonds - 6/21/25 | River Plate 0–0 Monterrey - 6/21/25 |
Monterrey 1–1 Inter Milan - 6/17/25 | River Plate 3–1 Urawa Red Diamonds - 6/17/25 |
PSG 5–0 Inter Milan - 5/31/25 | River Plate 1–1 Universitario de Deportes - 5/27/25 |
Como 0–2 Inter Milan - 5/23/25 | River Plate 1–1 Club Atlético Platense - 5/20/25 |
Inter Milan 2–2 Lazio - 5/18/25 | River Plate 6–2 Independiente del Valle - 5/15/25 |
How to Watch Inter Milan vs. River Plate on TV
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN |
United States | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN |
Inter Milan Team News
The Cristian Chivu era at Inter has begun with challenges, as they drew their tournament opener against Monterrey and required a late Valentín Carboni strike to overcome Urawa Red Diamonds in a crucial victory.
The Italian side has been hampered by player injuries, with Marcus Thurman being the most recent addition to their casualty list. However, Inter anticipates the return of Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Davide Frattesi, and Denzel Dumfries for this decisive fixture.
Alessandro Bastoni is expected to return to the starting eleven after being given a rest in the previous match. Henrikh Mkhitaryan might also earn his first Club World Cup start.
Chivu cannot afford further squad rotation, as victory is essential to prevent any possibility of group stage elimination.
Inter Milan Predicted Lineup vs. River Plate
Inter Milan Predicted Lineup vs. River Plate (3-5-2): Sommer; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Çalhanoğlu, Dimarco; Esposito, Martínez
River Plate Team News
Marcelo Gallardo confronts a significant challenge, as his regular midfield trio of Kevin Castaño, Enzo Pérez, and Giulano Galoppo are all unavailable due to suspension for the Inter clash.
The experienced manager must devise an alternative solution and field an improvised midfield, with Matías Kranevitter, Nacho Fernández, and Rodrigo Aliendro likely to start unless tactical adjustments are made. River's midfield will face considerable difficulties against the Italian champions.
Maxi Meza stepped in for the injured Sebastián Driussi on the left flank in their last outing and should retain his position following Miguel Borja's underwhelming substitute appearance.
At the back, Los Millonarios have remained sturdy, with Paulo Díaz edging out Germán Pezzella for the starting berth recently. Partnering with Lucas Martínez Quarta, River prevented any shots on target in the second half against Monterrey.
River Plate aims to avoid the same fate as city rivals Boca Juniors and secure their place in the next round with a favorable result against Inter.
River Plate Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Milan
River Plate Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Milan (4-3-3): Armani; Montiel, Martínez-Quarta, Díaz, Acuña; Kranevitter, Aliendro, Fernández; Mastantuono, Meza, Colidio
Inter Milan vs. River Plate Score Prediction
This will be a fiercely contested match with frequent stoppages due to fouls. Clear-cut chances will be at a premium, as neither side will want to concede the opening goal.
The most significant advantage on the field will be Inter's superior quality in midfield against River Plate's improvised central unit. The suspensions of crucial players will prove too difficult to overcome, limiting Gallardo's ability to dictate the tempo.
The Nerazzurri will produce their finest performance of the tournament and overcome River Plate to progress to the round of 16.
Prediction: Inter Milan 2–0 River Plate