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Inter Milan and Brazilian giants Fluminense square off Monday night in Charlotte for a high-stakes Round of 16 showdown in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Both teams are coming off strong group stage performances, with Inter topping Group E and Fluminense finishing second in Group F, so expect tactical intensity and quality moments. Here’s everything you need before locking in your picks.
Inter wrapped up a strong 2024–25 campaign, narrowly missing the Serie A title and finishing as Champions League runners-up. This summer, Cristian Chivu stepped in as manager, and they bolstered the squad with the additions of Croatian midfielder Petar Sucic and Brazilian winger Luis Henrique. In Group E, Inter opened with a draw against Monterrey before sealing a 2–0 win over River Plate in Seattle.
That victory secured the top spot and set up a Round of 16 clash with Fluminense. However, Inter will be without four key players for this match, including striker Mehdi Taremi, who cannot travel due to geopolitical concerns. Their depth will be tested, especially in attack, and younger talents like Francesco Pio Esposito must rise to the occasion.
After winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores, Fluminense continued their strong form into 2025. They impressed in Group F with a goalless draw against Borussia Dortmund, followed by a dramatic 4–2 comeback win over Ulsan Hyundai to secure advancement.
Led by veteran defender Thiago Silva, Fluminense has shown strong defensive organization and an ability to respond under pressure. Their recent run includes multiple clean sheets and clutch goals when it matters most. Unbeaten through group play, they look every bit like a tournament dark horse.
This matchup promises a tight and tactical battle. Inter will have to adjust without four key contributors but still boast a disciplined, technical core. Expect them to control possession and rely on sharp counters. Fluminense will try to frustrate Inter with a compact shape and look to strike through quick transitions and set pieces. With both sides valuing defensive stability, this could be a cagey affair. Still, Inter’s attacking upside and the play of Latauro Martinez give them a big advantage in the final third.
With star striker Marcus Thuram still not at full fitness and potentially unavailable for the upcoming clash and fellow forward Mehdi Taremi ruled out of the tournament due to travel complications stemming from the ongoing conflict in Iran, the spotlight will be firmly on Lautaro Martínez to carry Inter Milan’s attack.
Fortunately for Inter, Martínez is more than capable of handling the responsibility. The Argentine international has already found the net in 2 of Inter’s 3 Club World Cup matches and was a constant threat against River Plate, creating multiple quality scoring opportunities in a tightly contested 2–0 victory. Martínez should play the full 90 minutes, if not more, as Inter leans on their captain and talisman to deliver in a high-pressure Round of 16 matchup. Even with key players sidelined, Inter Milan has shown their depth and resilience throughout the tournament, and they remain one of the most complete and tactically sound teams in the field.
Lautaro, who remains one of the most clinical and consistent strikers in world football, has been in excellent form and continues to show why he’s among the elite at his position. With his lethal finishing, intelligent movement and ability to rise to the occasion in big games, this is the type of matchup where Martínez thrives. Given the stakes, his current form, and the void left by Thuram and Taremi, all signs point to Lautaro making an impact. Simply put, Inter Milan is the better team, and with Martínez leading the line, I fully expect him to find the back of the net again.
Ian is a lifelong sports fan and Temple University graduate who specializes in the NFL, NBA, MLB and European Soccer and is a diehard Philly sports fan.