This is a crucial second group-stage match for both clubs. Inter Milan, after a 1–1 draw with Monterrey, must win to stay in control of their knockout-stage destiny. Urawa Red Diamonds, meanwhile, suffered a 3–1 defeat to River Plate and face elimination with another loss. The stakes are high in Seattle as European pedigree meets Asian resilience.
Inter Milan: Chivu’s Side Seeks First Win Under Pressure
Last Match: 1–1 draw vs Monterrey
Manager: Cristian Chivu
Club World Cup Titles: 1 (2010)
Strengths:
Lautaro Martínez’s Leadership: Scored the equalizer vs Monterrey and remains the focal point of Inter’s attack.
Tactical Flexibility: Chivu experimented with 3-5-2 and 3-4-2-1 formations, showing adaptability.
Midfield Depth: Barella, Asllani, and Mkhitaryan provide control and creativity.
Concerns:
Injury List: Marcus Thuram, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Denzel Dumfries, and Piotr Zieliński are all sidelined.
Finishing Woes: Inter generated 2.68 xG vs Monterrey but failed to convert key chances.
Predicted XI (3-5-2):
Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Lautaro Martínez, Esposito
Urawa Red Diamonds: Japanese Underdogs Aim to Shock Europe
Last Match: 1–3 loss vs River Plate
Manager: Maciej Skorża
Club World Cup Appearances: 3rd (2007, 2023, 2025)
Strengths:
Yusuke Matsuo’s Composure: Scored a penalty vs River Plate and remains Urawa’s most clinical finisher.
Midfield Work Rate: Yasui and Gustafson provide energy and ball-winning ability.
No Injury Concerns: Full squad available for selection.
Concerns:
Defensive Vulnerability: Conceded early goals vs River Plate and struggled to recover.
European Struggles: Lost previous Club World Cup matches to AC Milan (2007) and Manchester City (2023).
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Nishikawa; Ishihara, Boza, Hoibraten, Naganuma; Gustafson, Yasui; Kaneko, Savio, Watanabe; Matsuo
Head-to-Head & Key Stats
| Category | Inter Milan | Urawa Red Diamonds |
| FIFA Club World Cup Titles | 1 (2010) | 0 |
| Last 5 Matches | D–W–L–W–D | L–D–W–L–D |
| Goals Scored (CWC 2025) | 1 | 1 |
| Goals Conceded (CWC 2025) | 1 | 3 |
| All-Time Meetings | First-ever meeting | — |
Inter’s xG vs Monterrey (2.68) was second-highest on Matchday 1 behind Bayern Munich.
Urawa has scored in 6 of their last 7 Club World Cup matches, but has only 1 win in that span.
Inter is unbeaten in 8 of their last 9 matches across all competitions.
Players to Watch
Inter Milan:
Lautaro Martínez: Captain and talisman; scored 23 goals in 2024–25.
Sebastiano Esposito: Starting in place of Thuram; looking to prove himself.
Carlos Augusto: Provides width and crossing threat from the left.
Urawa Reds:
Yusuke Matsuo: Converted a penalty vs River Plate; leads the line with pace.
Matheus Savio: Creative spark in the No. 10 role.
Marius Hoibraten: Norwegian center-back tasked with containing Lautaro.
MATCH ODDS
Inter Milan – 425 Draw + 550 Urawa Reds + 1100
Over 2.5 – 175 Under 2.5 + 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 20, 2025
