Man City Take On Inter Milan in Blockbuster Friendly: What to Expect, Bold Predictions, and Starting Lineups

The Enzo Maresca era kicks off on Saturday as Manchester City take on Inter Milan in a preseason friendly held in Hong Kong.

These two clubs crossed paths in the 2023 Champions League final, where a Rodri strike proved sufficient for the Cityzens to clinch the treble. Inter were arguably the stronger team in Istanbul, yet were left to regret squandered chances in the closing stages.

Simone Inzaghi, who managed Inter at the time, was replaced by former defender Cristian Chivu, and under his guidance Inter reclaimed the Scudetto last season. While the Nerazzurri have navigated the transition smoothly, Maresca faces a steep challenge in filling the shoes of Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard departed City after a decade of dominance, during which Maresca served as his assistant from 2020 to 2023. 

The Italian went on to find success at Leicester City, and his stint at Chelsea showed real promise before a total breakdown in relations with the club's hierarchy resulted in his exit at the beginning of 2026.

Maresca at least avoids the burden of defending the Premier League title this season, with City among the sides in pursuit rather than at the summit. 

Man City vs. Inter Milan Score Prediction

Nerazzurri Earn Minor Revenge

The two sides met at the outset of the 2024–25 Champions League campaign, with Inter holding City to a scoreless draw. That encounter was the second of their two competitive clashes. 

They meet again in Hong Kong on Saturday with unfamiliar starting elevens due to the World Cup, with City in particular stripped of their key players. As a result, Inter, who are slightly more advanced in their preseason preparations, could exploit City's reliance on youth and the presence of a new manager on the sideline.

The disciplined Nerazzurri are a tough proposition even during the summer months, and they may well come out on top against the Cityzens.

Prediction: Man City 1–2 Inter Milan

Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Milan

Maresca has brought 28 players on the Asia tour, excluding those who advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals or further. Consequently, Erling Haaland, Marc Guéhi, Nico O'Reilly, Jérémy Doku, Rayan Cherki, and new recruit Elliot Anderson are all absent.

Omar Marmoush, who exited at the round of 16 with Egypt, has also not made the trip. The clinical forward has been loosely linked with a summer departure, as has Savinho, though the Brazilian has joined the squad on tour. 

Rodri, a target for Real Madrid, is recovering from back surgery and is not expected to be fit for the start of the 2026–27 season. 

With numerous senior figures missing, City's younger players will have a chance to catch Maresca's eye, including summer signing Jeremy Monga.

Man City predicted lineup vs. Inter Milan (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Lewis, Reis, Khusanov, Ait-Nouri; González; McAidoo, Reijnders, Foden, Monga; Mubamba.

Inter Milan Predicted Lineup vs. Man City

Inter wrapped up the signing of former Man City defender John Stones this week, with the Englishman joining on a free transfer. He will not feature on tour, having reached the World Cup semifinals with England. 

Aleksandar Stanković (son of Inter icon Dejan) and Ivan Provedel joined earlier in the transfer window, and both have been included in Chivu's touring party. Provedel is expected to battle Josep Martínez for the starting goalkeeper spot following Inter's parting with Yann Sommer.

Captain Lautaro Martínez is among those unavailable, meaning striker Francesco Pio Esposito will likely be partnered with an Inter youngster. 18-year-old Jamal Iddrissou is a strong candidate to earn a starting berth.

Inter Milan predicted lineup vs. Man City (3-5-2): Martínez; Bisseck, Bovio, Augusto; Diouf, Barella, Zielinski, Stanković, Dimarco; Iddrissou, Esposito.

What Time Does Man City vs. Inter Milan Kick Off?

How to Watch Man City vs. Inter Milan on TV, Live Stream

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