Club World Cup, Inter vs Urawa Red Diamonds

 Inter Milan will face Urawa Red Diamonds in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The match will take place at Lumen Field Stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States, on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 2:00 AM WIB.

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu refuses to underestimate Urawa Red Diamonds. According to him, they have European and South American elements.  

"This will be a difficult match," said Chivu, as quoted by the Inter Milan website.  

Chivu praised Japanese football for its neatness and discipline. Additionally, from a tactical perspective, Urawa is very precise and technically sound. 

"Gustafson is a player I like. He has good physical and technical qualities," he said.  

Furthermore, Chivu highlighted the condition of his player Pio Esposito, who has recovered from an injury. According to him, Pio Esposito has some great experience that allows him to grow both physically and mentally. 

"He has only trained with us twice. We will have the opportunity to see him play on the field, possibly as a starter or as a substitute," he said.

Chivu stated that the second group stage match against Urawa is very important. This is due to the outcome of the first match.

"We need this. To advance to the next round," he said.

Meanwhile, Urawa coach Maciej Skorja said that facing Inter Milan is the most difficult challenge. However, he is confident that his team can pull off a big surprise by working hard for 90 minutes and shocking Inter.  

"Who knows, if we score the first goal, how the match will unfold. I reiterate: I am confident we can face this challenge," Skorja said, as quoted by Urawa's website.

Skorja noted that Inter Milan is a strong team. In fact, it would not be an overstatement to say that every player on this team is world-class.

"So, as a team, overall, I am very impressed with how they attack. Their defensive tactics, team rotations, and other aspects," he said.

Expected lineup:

Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer, Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Sucic, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Esposito and Martinez.  

Urawa Red Diamonds (4-2-3-1):  Nishikawa,  Ishikara, Boza, Hoibraten, Naganuma; Gustafsson, Yasui; Kaneko, Savio, Watanabe and Matsuo.