Christian Chivu’s reign as Simone Inzaghi’s successor did not get off in the right way as Inter Milan only managed to draw against Mexican side Monterrey. It was seen as a setback when the Club World Cup began, but they responded well albeit late against Urawa Reds.
The Japanese side took an early lead against the Nerazzuri, which proved difficult for Chivu’s side to overcome for long periods. It took an equaliser in the 78th minute from Lautaro Martinez to level things up. Inter Milan did get their winner in the 92nd minute through a Valentin Carboni strike, which took them second in Group E.
While they must overcome their next opponent River Plate to conquer the top spot, there’s still a looming danger from Monterrey should they win against Urawa Reds and Inter Milan end up losing their game. On paper, the Nerazzuri and River Plate are the favourites to go through, but both teams are still not out of danger yet.
River Plate secured a 3-1 win over Urawa Reds in the opening game and better the result that Inter Milan had over the Japanese opposition. That extra goal is the reason they are top of Group E. The Argentine side could not break down Monterrey in their second match despite being the better team on the pitch.
Hence, this is a crucial clash for the Argentine giants, who would need a draw at the most to qualify. Should Monterrey lose or draw in their clash with Urawa Reds, then River Plate are guaranteed to go through alongside Inter Milan, but should they lose to the Nerazzuri and the Mexicans win elsewhere, River Plate will be out of the competition.
A host of players are considerable doubts for Chivu’s men on top of the players that are set to miss through injuries. Hakan Calhanoglu, Denzel Dumfries and Davide Frattesi are all doubtful, while Mehdi Taremi is still out of contention due to a bureaucratic issue rumbling over the Iranian international striker. Yann Bisseck, Piotr Zielinski, Marcus Thuram and Benjamin Pavard are all out of contention with injury issues.
Chivu may have different ideas compared to former manager Simone, although the new boss is unlikely to change the shape and formation to keep the continuity. Stefan de Vrij will slot in the back three alongside Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni. Chivu will be hopeful about Calhanoglu’s fitness, as the Turkish international will start if fit, or else the manager may have to find an alternative.
Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are likely to start, while Luis Henrique might once again start in the right wing-back slot. Martinez will lead the line alongside Sebastiano Esposito in the attacking positions as the likes of Carboni will once again begin this match on the bench.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2) – Sommer; De Vrij, Acerbi, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Esposito
Injuries are not the main source of concern for Marcelo Gallardo as suspensions are. As many as three key stars will miss this crucial clash with Inter Milan because of cautions in the previous games. Those include Kevin Castano, Enzo Perez and Giuliano Galappo.
Augustin Ruberto and Sebastian Driussi are the ones absent through injuries, as Gallardo might have to find internal solutions to field a team that will triumph over the Nerazzuri.
He will continue with a 4-3-3 formation, with Real Madrid-bound Franco Mastantuono one of the highlights of his attacking setup. Lucas Quarta and Paulo Diaz will marshall the defence, with Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna in the full-back roles, with both those former Sevilla full-backs likely to use their top-level experience of European football in this clash.
Matias Kranevitter will sit at the base of River Plate’s midfield with Ignacio Fernandez and Rodrigo Aliendro the preferred choices on either side of the midfield three. Mastantuono will continue to feature on the right side of the front three, while Maximiliano Meza on the left, as Facundo Colidio leads the line for Gallardo’s side.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3) – Armani; Montiel; Quarta, Diaz, Acuna; Fernandez, Kranevitter, Aliendro; Mastantuono, Colidio, Meza
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With the world’s eyes fixated on the talented Argentine ever since it became clear that he would join Real Madrid, it’s a big opportunity for Mastantuono to show he can handle the pressure. The CWC will come across as a big chance for the attacker to help River Plate achieve success before he leaves, and show Real Madrid they made the right choice to spend big on him.
Mastantuono will also have to showcase he can take the mantle in the absence of key stars ahead of this clash with Inter Milan. The talented star may not get too many opportunities against teams that have staunch defences, and Inter Milan are in that boat, as all eyes will be on the teenager to showcase his talent on the big stage.
River Plate will want to secure at least a point, but Gallardo will want to top the group with a win. So far, South American teams have shown they can match their European counterparts equally on the pitch, and it’s River Plate’s time to do that as they face their first Euro opponents in this edition of the CWC.
However, they might end up losing this one as Inter Milan seems far more equipped especially if they can get the likes of Calhanoglu and Dumfries fit for this clash. Either way, this match has the hallmarks of a tight contest, as the Nerazzuri might edge past the Argentine giants by a slender margin and top the group.
