Monterrey - Inter Milan (2nd half) 1-1: Lautaro Martinez equalizes

Inter Milan - Ảnh 1. — Sergio Ramos (left) celebrates his goal against Inter Milan - Photo: Reuters

After suffering a painful end to the 2024-25 season, Italian giants Inter Milan will kick off their Club World Cup campaign against Monterrey in Pasadena, in what will be Cristian Chivu's first game in charge following the departure of Simone Inzaghi.

Cristian Chivu is a former Inter Milan defender who has spent many years coaching the club's youth teams. However, he has not had much experience in "commanding troops" in major tournaments, so fans are curious to know whether Cristian Chivu can help Inter Milan create success in the United States.

Coming back to this clash, Inter Milan have undergone a lot of changes in attack ahead of the Club World Cup opener, with three of their "super-subs" from last season all unavailable.

Joaquin Correa and Marko Arnautovic have left on free transfers, while Iran international Mehdi Taremi is unable to travel to the US due to air strikes in his home country. Midfielders Piotr Zielinski, Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries are also doubtful.

But the absence could open up opportunities for loanees Sebastiano and Francesco Pio Esposito, along with new signings Petar Sucic and Luis Henrique. Marcus Thuram, who has also recovered from injury, will partner captain Lautaro Martinez up front in a familiar 3-5-2 formation.

Meanwhile, Monterrey's attack is led by German Berterame, who scored 20 goals in Liga MX last season. Monterrey's squad also has no significant losses, with familiar faces such as Sergio Canales, Oliver Torres, Lucas Ocampos and Sergio Ramos all ready to play.