Inter Milan vs Urawa Red Diamonds: Club World Cup Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

Inter Milan will face Urawa Red Diamonds in a highly anticipated match in Seattle on Saturday night as they aim to secure their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup title. This historic clash will see the Italian giants battle the Japanese champions in what promises to be an exciting encounter. 

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

As a first example, Inter Milan must be feeling like they're in the middle of an absolute whirlwind after coming under intense scrutiny on May 31 following their infamous 5-0 Champions League final defeat at the hands of PSG.  After seeing Simone Inzaghi go earlier this month, Cristian Chivu, a former Parma manager, is now in charge, and he may have a big task ahead of him.  Despite starting their Club World Cup journey with high hopes last week, the Italian powerhouses were ultimately forced to settle for a disappointing 1-1 draw with Monterrey at the Rose Bowl.  Inter Milan is in dire need of a lift and some much-needed defensive resolve for Saturday night's match.  The new Chivu lineup has not won a game in a row (including the embarrassing loss in Munich) since the end of February, regardless of the tournament.

While Marciej Skorza's Urawa squad may have started May on a high note, the Red Diamonds have essentially hit rock bottom since the beginning of the month.  After seeing their hopes of qualifying for the AFC Champions League shattered during the previous six weeks, the former manager of Lech Poznan will be preparing for a massive test on Saturday.  Urawa have only managed to win twice in their last eight tournament appearances, and they began their Club World Cup journey with a simple 3-1 loss to River Plate.  The Skorza camp has only managed one clean sheet since May 1, so they are understandably considered a huge underdog heading into this weekend's match.

Inter Milan Urawa Red Diamonds Team News

With an ankle injury and rumours of a summer departure from the San Siro circulating, Hakan Calhanoglu will sit out Saturday night's match.  Similarly, Denzel Dumfries, a defender for the Netherlands, will sit out this weekend due to a muscular injury.

Lautaro Martinez, the offensive talisman who made his Club World Cup debut last week against Monterrey, will start up front.  Players like Federico Dimarco and Marcus Thuram should be given full recalls, as Chivu is expected to make a few changes here.

Japan national team member Kai Shibata has stayed home from the United States this season due to a long-term knee ailment. He has not played in any competitions.  Ex-Flamengo midfielder Matheus Savio has signed a permanent deal and will make his debut here before the start of the 2025 season.

Urawa will be led by former Westerlo marksman Yusuke Matsuo, who scored a consolation goal against River Plate earlier in the week.  Samuel Gustafson, a former star of the Verona and Sweden national team, will be Kaito Yasui's midfield partner.

Our Predictions

Inter Milan to score in both halves @ 1.85 on Sky247.ng

Inter Milan, who were beaten 1–1 by Monterrey, is well aware of how crucial it is to get back on track on Saturday night.  Chivu took leadership of the team earlier this month. Thus, the Nerazzurri will be under considerable pressure to win their first game.  We still have the Italian heavyweights coming off their notorious night in Munich, but we think they can win Group E for the first time this weekend.

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