Monday’s game will mark Flu’s third knockout match at the Club World Cup, having defeated Al Ahly in the 2023 semi-finals before falling 4-0 to Manchester City in the final. The Brazilian side is expected to handle the big stage with composure.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has scored 10 goals in 11 Champions League and Club World Cup matches this calendar year, including two in the current tournament.
However, his regular strike partner, Marcus Thuram, remains sidelined with a thigh injury.
Francesco Pio Esposito, who had an outstanding loan spell at Spezia (Serie B playoff finalists), has overtaken his older brother Sebastiano as Lautaro’s strike partner and is likely to retain his starting role.
If fit, Thuram may be listed among the substitutes. Davide Frattesi could also make his tournament debut off the bench.
However, Hakan Calhanoglu, Piotr Zielinski, Benjamin Pavard, and Yann Bisseck have all returned to Milan, while striker Mehdi Taremi remains unable to leave Iran due to national airspace restrictions.
On Fluminense’s side, Otavio remains unavailable, but new signing Yeferson Soteldo has resumed full training and may take part in Monday’s match.
It is still uncertain whether 40-year-old captain Thiago Silva will return after missing the last group match due to a muscular issue—especially since his replacement, Ignacio, was named Man of the Match against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Interestingly, Thiago Silva is not the oldest player in Flu’s squad. That title belongs to 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, who is expected to start.
Meanwhile, Ganso (35) and German Cano (37) are more likely to appear off the bench.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Milan (3-5-2):
Sommer; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Augusto; F. P. Esposito, Martinez
Fluminense (4-2-3-1):
Fabio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Rene; Hercules, Martinelli; Arias, Nonato, Canobbio; Everaldo
