Italian side Inter is set to play against Fluminense on Monday in what is anticipated to be one of the more interesting matchups in the Club World Cup`s Round of 16. The Milanese club, known as the Nerazzurri, advanced to the knockout phase after securing a 2-0 victory over River Plate in the final group stage fixture. Goals from promising young Italian talent Francesco Pio Esposito and defender Alessandro Bastoni sealed their progression.
The team, currently managed by Cristian Chivu, will now face Brazilian club Fluminense. There`s also a potential for Inter to later encounter their former coach, Simone Inzaghi, should his Al-Hilal side overcome Manchester City in their upcoming match.
Match Details
- Date: Monday, June 30
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium — Charlotte, North Carolina
- Live stream: Watch on DAZN (for free)
- Odds: Inter -145; Draw +240; Fluminense +430
Possible Lineups
Inter XI: Sommer; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Augusto; Thuram, Martinez.
Fluminense XI: Fabio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Rene; Hercules, Martinelli; Arias, Nonato, Canobbio; Everaldo.
Player to Watch
Lautaro Martinez, Inter: The Inter captain is arguably the most compelling player to watch in this match, having already netted two goals in the first three games of the tournament. Despite not scoring in the crucial group match against Argentina`s River Plate, Martinez will be relied upon to lead his team into the quarterfinals. This is particularly important as young forward Francesco Pio Esposito is sidelined with a minor injury sustained during the week, and French striker Marcus Thuram`s participation is uncertain as he recovers from his own injury issues.
Storyline to Watch
Will the match proceed without interruption? There are apprehensions regarding the weather conditions expected on Monday in Charlotte, with the possibility of storms. Just recently on Saturday, severe storms significantly affected the Round of 16 tie between Chelsea and Benfica at the same venue, causing a suspension of over two hours due to lightning and thunder. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca commented after that match, which ultimately lasted four hours and 39 minutes, stating, “I think it`s a joke, to be honest. It`s not football. It`s completely something new. I struggle to understand. I can understand if it`s security reasons, but if you suspend seven or eight games, then it`s probably not the right place to do the competition.” These concerns raise questions about the potential for delays or disruptions to the Inter vs. Fluminense fixture.
Prediction
Despite facing some injury concerns, Inter is favored to secure a win against Fluminense on Monday. However, the match is expected to be closely contested. Pick: Inter 2, Fluminense 1.
