Inter Milan Vs Fluminense | Live Stream | Match Preview | Club World Cup
Inter Milan’s pursuit of redemption is set to continue as they prepare to face Fluminense in the Round of 16 at the Club World Cup this Monday. The Italian giants, still stung by their recent Champions League final heartbreak, will go head-to-head with the Brazilian powerhouse from Rio de Janeiro in what promises to be a captivating showdown.
This marks the first-ever meeting between a Brazilian and an Italian club in FIFA’s premier tournament, with both teams advancing confidently through the group stage to set up this intriguing encounter in Charlotte.
Inter’s Determined Journey to the Knockouts
Inter secured top spot in Group E thanks to a hard-earned 2-0 win over River Plate, exploiting the advantage after their opponents were reduced to ten men in the second half. Late strikes from Alessandro Bastoni and emerging talent Francesco Pio Esposito sealed the deal, following an opening draw with Monterrey and a thrilling comeback victory against Urawa Red Diamonds.
Though Simone Inzaghi’s squad hasn’t been at their peak yet, there are signs they’re gradually shaking off the sting of last season’s disappointments. Unbeaten under new leadership, Inter are viewing their U.S. stint as a fresh chapter and a launchpad for potential silverware.
A third consecutive win in regulation time—which they haven’t achieved since March—would set up an enticing quarterfinal showdown with former coach Inzaghi’s side, with either Al-Hilal or Manchester City likely awaiting.
But first, Inter must overcome Fluminense—a club they’ve only met once before in a 1961 friendly (which ended 1-1). Their only official clash with a Brazilian side dates back 56 years, a 1-0 defeat to Santos in the Intercontinental Supercup.
Fluminense: Brazilian Power with Italian Roots
Fluminense enter as one of four Brazilian teams in the last 16, having progressed as Group F runners-up. After a goalless stalemate with Borussia Dortmund, they triumphed 4-2 over Ulsan Hyundai in New Jersey before grinding out a tense 0-0 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns—extending their unbeaten streak to nine games.
Despite lacking fluency and failing to register a shot on target against Sundowns, their defensive solidity—boasting four clean sheets in five matches—makes them a tough nut to crack. Led by experienced figures like Argentine striker Germán Cano and captain Thiago Silva, Fluminense bring considerable big-match know-how.
This will be their third knockout appearance at the Club World Cup, having reached last year’s final where they lost 4-0 to Manchester City. The pressure won’t faze them, especially with a strong historical record against Italian clubs—10 wins and 4 draws in 14 previous meetings.
Monday’s clash promises a thrilling battle as two footballing heavyweights with plenty to prove go head-to-head.
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