Milan, Italy – Inter Milan are facing a significant challenge in their Champions League playoff tie, entering Tuesday’s second leg at San Siro with a 3-1 deficit against Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt. The pressure is on the Serie A leaders to overcome the first-leg shock and secure a place in the round of 16.
The match, scheduled for 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT, will be refereed by Alejandro José Hernández Hernández (ESP), with Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP) overseeing VAR. Inter, aiming to return to the latter stages of the competition, must navigate a tricky encounter against a Bodø/Glimt team that has already proven its ability to upset established European giants.
Bodø/Glimt’s unexpected success in the Champions League has continued to turn heads, following up victories against Manchester City and Atlético Madrid with their first-leg triumph over Inter. The Norwegian champions are now poised to potentially reach the knockout stages, but will need to maintain their composure and resilience at the iconic San Siro stadium.
Inter’s Injury Concerns and Predicted Lineup
Inter Milan will be without captain Lautaro Martínez for Tuesday’s crucial match due to a calf injury sustained in the first leg, according to team news. Marcus Thuram is expected to partner with Pio Esposito in attack in his absence. Federico Dimarco, an unused substitute in the first leg, is set to start, while Nicolo Barella returns to the midfield after missing a recent Serie A fixture. Piotr Zieliński will fill in for the absent Hakan Çalhanoğlu at the base of midfield.
Inter’s predicted lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Zieliński, Sučić, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito.
Bodø/Glimt’s Stability and Key Players
Fortunately for Bodø/Glimt, captain Patrick Berg avoided a suspension after remaining yellow-card free in the first leg. The team is expected to field an unchanged lineup from their victorious first encounter. Jens Petter Hauge, who scored in the first leg, continues to be a key threat, while striker Kasper Høgh has been in impressive form, finding the net against Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, and Inter.
Bodø/Glimt’s predicted lineup (4-3-3): Haikin; Sjøvold, Gundersen, Bjørtuft, Bjørkan; Evjen, Berg, Fet; Blomberg, Høgh, Hauge.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
Inter Milan’s recent form has been strong (WLWWW), but they were caught off guard by Bodø/Glimt’s slickness in the first leg. Bodø/Glimt, meanwhile, are on a remarkable run of form (WWWWW). This is the first time Inter has faced a two-goal deficit in a Champions League tie, and they will be determined to avoid what would be considered a humiliating exit. In head-to-head matchups, Bodø/Glimt currently leads with one win, while Inter has yet to secure a victory.
Here’s a look at recent results:
- Lecce 0–2 Inter
- Bodø/Glimt 3–1 Inter
- Atlético Madrid 1–2 Bodø/Glimt
- Inter 3–2 Juventus
- Bodø/Glimt 3–1 Man City
What to Expect at San Siro
A memorable European night is anticipated at San Siro as Inter attempts to overturn the deficit. While Inter, currently leading Serie A, will undoubtedly give their all, Bodø/Glimt’s recent away form suggests they possess the spirit and resilience to withstand Inter’s resurgence. The Norwegian side has demonstrated an ability to compete with top teams on their own turf, and they will be looking to replicate that success in Milan.
The match promises to be a captivating encounter, with Inter desperate to avoid a major upset and Bodø/Glimt aiming to continue their fairytale run in the Champions League. The outcome will determine which team advances to the round of 16.
Stay tuned for updates following the match and further analysis of the Champions League playoffs. Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below.
