Monterrey Clashes with Inter Milan: Match Analysis, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Champions League runners-up Inter Milan will clash with Liga MX representatives Monterrey as both teams begin their Club World Cup journey.
Following their appearance in the Liga MX final at the end of 2024, Monterrey experienced a turbulent first half of the year, which included disappointing exits from the Concacaf Champions Cup and Clausura 2025, ultimately resulting in the dismissal of head coach Martín Demichelis.
The club, which has previously secured third place twice in the Club World Cup, aims to deliver an impressive showing in this summer's competition, featuring one of North America's most skilled squads.
Just two months prior, Inter Milan harbored hopes of achieving a treble-winning season. Unfortunately, poor performances in the final stretch resulted in the Nerazzurri finishing without silverware, leading to Simone Inzaghi's departure following their heavy defeat to PSG in the Champions League final.
Despite the season's disappointing conclusion, Inter remain among the world's elite clubs and are considered strong contenders to claim the Club World Cup title within the coming month.
With both teams featuring new managers making their debuts, here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of Monterrey versus Inter Milan in the Club World Cup.
When Does the Monterrey vs. Inter Milan Match Begin?
Monterrey vs. Inter Milan Historical Encounters
This marks the inaugural competitive fixture between Monterrey and Inter Milan.
Recent Performance (All Competitions)
Monterrey | Inter Milan |
|---|---|
Toluca 2–1 Monterrey - 10/05/25 | PSG 5–0 Inter Milan - 31/05/25 |
Monterrey 3–2 Toluca - 07/05/25 | Como 0–2 Inter Milan - 5/23/25 |
Monterrey 2–0 Pumas - 04/05/25 | Inter Milan 2–2 Lazio - 5/18/25 |
Monterrey 1–2 Pachuca - 27/04/25 | Torino 0–2 Inter Milan - 5/11/25 |
León 0–2 Monterrey - 20/04/25 | Inter Milan 4–3 Barcelona - 5/6/25 |
Broadcasting Information for Monterrey vs. Inter Milan
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN |
United States | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | Canal 5, ViX Premium, DAZN |
Monterrey Squad Updates
The Domènec Torrent chapter commences for Monterrey, with the Spanish tactician arriving after his productive period with Atlético San Luis. The former assistant to Pep Guardiola now takes charge of one of Liga MX's most talented rosters on paper.
At 39 years of age, Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos will aim to recapture his prime form and anchor Monterrey's backline in what could be his final encounters against Europe's finest clubs.
Nelson Deossa has emerged as one of Liga MX's standout performers, with his relentless energy across the midfield, orchestrating attacks and providing defensive support, perfectly complementing the refined technique of Sergio Canales, who will operate as the advanced playmaker.
Recent acquisitions Santiago Mele and Johan Rojas are expected to begin on the substitutes' bench, as Rayados prepare to challenge the Champions League finalists.
Monterrey Expected Formation vs. Inter Milan
Monterrey Expected Formation vs. Inter Milan (4-2-3-1): Cárdenas; Chávez, Guzmán, Ramos, Arteaga; Rodríguez, Deossa; Corona, Canales, Ocampos; Berterame
Inter Milan Squad Updates
Inter Milan will return to action for the first time since their crushing defeat to PSG in the Champions League final just over two weeks ago, and they'll do so under new management, with Cristian Chivu assuming control following Simone Inzaghi's exit.
The delayed arrivals to the U.S. training camp of Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Davide Frattesi and Yann Bisseck may mean they won't be match-ready for Chivu to include them in his starting eleven against Monterrey. Conversely, new acquisitions Luis Henrique and Petar Sučić might make their Nerazzurri bow.
Yann Sommer, Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco will maintain their customary positions in the defensive core. In the attacking third, Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez will persist as one of Europe's most formidable striking duos.
Inter Milan Expected Formation vs. Monterrey
Inter Milan Expected Formation vs. Monterrey (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Sučić, Dimarco; Thuram, Martínez
Monterrey vs. Inter Milan Match Forecast
Inter Milan will be eager to put their recent Champions League final embarrassment behind them and demonstrate they're genuine contenders for Club World Cup glory.
Monterrey possess sufficient quality to remain competitive throughout most of the encounter and could potentially challenge for progression beyond the group phase. Nevertheless, facing one of world football's premier teams in their opening fixture presents an extremely difficult, if not insurmountable challenge.
Monterrey's defensive vulnerabilities will likely be exploited by two world-class strikers, allowing Inter to secure a comfortable inaugural victory under Chivu's guidance. However, the Liga MX representatives have ample attacking talent to find the net at least once and will remain competitive until the final whistle in Torrent's managerial debut.
Forecast: Monterrey 1–3 Inter Milan