Inter Milan vs Fluminense predictions: Defences on top in Charlotte
Inter Milan and Fluminense will look to extend their FIFA Club World Cup campaigns in a compelling last-16 tie in Charlotte on Monday.
UEFA Champions League finalists Inter have improved game by game and produced their best performance when beating River Plate 2-0 to secure top spot in Group E.
Cristian Chivu has begun to make his mark with the Nerazzurri after replacing Simone Inzaghi just days before the squad flew out to the United States.
Inter struggled against Monterrey in their opening match and needed a late winner against Urawa Reds in game two, but that appears to have been a turning point.
The Italian side could set up a quarter-final meeting with Inzaghi’s new charges at Al Hilal if they overcome the Brazilian side.
Fluminense finished second in Group F after two draws and one win — against Ulsan HD — and could face Manchester City, the team that beat them in the 2023 Club World Cup Final, if they progress.
Team news
There is good news and bad news for Chivu with the return of Marcus Thuram to training offset by the loss of Francesco Esposito due to a muscle problem.
Thuram could come back into the line-up alongside Lautaro Martinez at the top of a 3-5-2 formation.
It remains to be seen whether defender Matteo Darmian, who was injured against River Plate, will recover in time as Stefan de Vrij stands by to deputise in the back three.
Denzel Dumfries did enough on his return from injury to keep his place on the right, opposite Federico Dimarco at left wing-back.
As for Fluminense, coach Renato Gaucho should be able to recall Thiago Silva for this clash.
Silva (muscle fatigue) missed Flu’s 0-0 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns with his replacement Ignacio taking the superior player award after slotting in alongside centre-back Freytas.
German Cano looks likely to get the nod ahead of Everaldo in attack with Nonato, Matheus Martinelli, Hercules and Agustin Canobbio set to feature alongside Jhon Arias in midfield.
The stats
Fluminense have kept two clean sheets in their three Club World Cup matches, including a shutout against Borussia Dortmund.
At least two goals have been scored in nine of Inter’s Milan’s last 10 matches.
Fluminense have not lost in nine consecutive matches (six wins and three draws).
In the first three matches of the Club World Cup, the average number of corners per match was: Inter (5) and Fluminense (6.7).
Fluminense have faced only 24 shots in the tournament, two fewer than the Nerazzurri.
Prediction
Fluminense have been a solid unit throughout the tournament and look unlikely to give Inter’s forwards much of a sight of their goal on Monday.
Flu’s defence looks set to be boosted by the return of Thiago Silva, who brings leadership and organisational skills as well as his superb ability to read the game.
Inter’s attack could miss the burgeoning talent of Esposito, who provided an assist against Urawa Reds and a goal in the 2-0 win over River Plate.
There is so much at stake for the teams, and particularly Chivu as he attempts to fill Inzaghi’s shoes, that the game could be quite cagey and follow a trend at the tournament.
The first two knockout matches at the Club World Cup were short on goals and this clash may also struggle to go beyond the 2.5-goal mark.
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