Verdict: Inter Milan to score in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Desperate to pick up a maiden Club World Cup victory this weekend, Inter Milan will meet Urawa in Seattle on Saturday night.
Inter Milan
Starting with Inter Milan, coming under a huge amount of scrutiny on May 31st as they fell to an infamous 5-0 Champions League final drumming against PSG, the Nerazzurri must feel that they’re at the heart of a real whirlwind. Watching Simone Inzaghi leave the San Siro earlier in the month, Cristian Chivu is now at the helm and the former Parma boss could have a major job on his hands. Despite opening their Club World Cup adventure smelling a real opportunity in midweek, the Italian giants eventually had to settle for a downbeat 1-1 stalemate against Monterrey at the Rose Bowl. Desperately seeking a crucial boost on Saturday night, Inter Milan are also seeking some crucial defensive resolve. Including that woeful performance in Munich, Chivu’s new squad have failed to record consecutive clean sheets across all competitions since the end of February.
Inter Milan Team News
Dealing with a recent ankle injury and heavily linked with a summer move away from the San Siro, Hakan Calhanoglu will once again miss out on Saturday night. Likewise, Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries will not feature this weekend after picking up a recent muscle issue.
Opening his Club World Cup account against Monterrey earlier in the week, attacking talisman Lautaro Martinez will lead the line. With Chivu expected to make a handful of alterations here, the likes of Marcus Thuram and Federico Dimarco should be handed full recalls.
Urawa Red Diamonds
As for Urawa, while the Red Diamonds might have got May underway in the midst of a real purple patch, Marciej Skorza’s side have largely come crashing back down to earth. Watching their AFC Champions League dreams take a real blow over the past six weeks, the former Lech Poznan boss will be bracing himself for a monumental challenge on Saturday night. Getting their respective Club World Cup adventure underway with a routine 3-1 defeat at the hands of River Plate, Urawa have registered just a pair of wins from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Rightfully pencilled in as a landslide underdog this weekend, it should also be highlighted that Skorza’s camp have also notched just a single clean sheet since the start of May.
Urawa Red Diamonds Team News
Dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Japan international Kai Shibato has not travelled to the United States. Completing a permanent move ahead of the 2025 campaign, ex-Flamengo midfielder Matheus Savio will feature here.
Bagging what was a consolation strike against River Plate earlier in the week, former Westerlo marksman Yusuke Matsuo will spearhead Urawa’s charge. Sweden international and former Verona star Samuel Gustafson will partner Kaito Yasui in the middle of the park.
Inter Milan vs Urawa Red Diamonds Key Factors to Consider
- Saturday’s showdown in Seattle will be the first competitive meeting between Inter Milan and Urawa.
- Inter Milan have failed to record consecutive clean sheets across all competitions since the end of February.
- Urawa have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
- The Red Diamonds have recorded just a single clean sheet on their travels since the middle of February.
- Five of Urawa’s last six appearances across all fronts have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Eventually forced to settle for a downbeat 1-1 stalemate against Monterrey, Inter Milan know the importance of claiming an essential response on Saturday night. With Chivu looking to pick up a maiden victory since officially taking charge earlier in the month, the Nerazzurri will have some real pressure on their shoulders. While their infamous night in Munich might still be lingering over them, we are backing the Italian heavyweights to claim a first Group E victory this weekend.
Verdict: Inter Milan to score in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
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