Inter returns to the Champions League more than three months after the nightmare night in the final against PSG, in which the Nerazzurri were annihilated 5-0, an unprecedented result in the final stages of a continental competition.
Removing that bad memory will obviously not be easy. It is no coincidence that the new season has not started very well: after the resounding 5-0 win over Torino in the league opener, which had raised hopes, there were two worrying defeats, the first at home to Udinese (1-2) and the second at the Stadium against bitter rivals Juventus, with Inter allowing their opponents to come back in a matter of minutes after they had managed to overturn the Bianconeri’s lead.
It is still September, but the explosive 4-3 defeat in Turin risks being a huge psychological blow for a team still traumatized by what happened last year, which ended sensationally empty-handed despite reaching the final of all competitions. Cristian Chivu, meanwhile, has to deal with the first wave of criticism: in any case, the Romanian coach seemed satisfied with his team’s performance against Juve, despite the fact that the defense continues to show some cracks (six goals conceded in three games).
Ajax unbeaten in the Eredivisie
A different attitude will be needed to win the first three points in the Champions League group stage: among the Italian teams, Inter has the most difficult draw, and it will be important to start strong against an Ajax team that is rebuilding—it has not played in the Champions League since 2023—and is certainly not the same as a few years ago.
Led by Johnny Heitinga and with a very young squad, the Lancers are still unbeaten in the Eredivisie, but they have only won at home, drawing their two away matches. Everyone is available for the former Dutch national team defender, except for the injured van den Boomen. The star player is midfielder Taylor, one of last season’s key players, while up front the team relies on the experienced Weghorst, supported by Berghuis and Godts. On the other side, Chivu will certainly make some changes compared to the match in Turin: Sommer, one of the most uncertain players against Juve, risks losing his place. In midfield, Croatian Sucic is pushing for a place.
UPDATE: Lautaro missed the final training session. The Argentine striker has left for Amsterdam but is unlikely to start. Bonny is ready.
Odds comparison
The “Goal” sign is quoted at 1.57 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. The “Over 2.5” sign is quoted at 1.62 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.63 on Snai.
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The prediction
The odds are stacked against Inter, but the Nerazzurri are not offering much assurance at the moment.
Ajax – who have never beaten the Milanese club in their four previous Champions League encounters – are not to be feared, even if playing at the Cruijff Arena is never a walk in the park. In short, there are many doubts surrounding Chivu’s team, who are likely to struggle to keep a clean sheet.
Probable line-ups for Ajax-Inter
AJAX (4-3-3): Jaroš; Gaaei, Itakura, Baas, Wijndal; Klaassen, Taylor, Regeer; Berghuis, Weghorst, Godts.
INTER (3-5-2): Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Sucic, Dimarco; Thuram, Bonny.
Will Ajax manage to avoid defeat?
No (60%, 98 Votes)
Yes (40%, 66 Votes)
Total Voters: 164
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2