Inter vs River Plate Prediction 26 June 2025

On June 26, the world's attention was focused on the Lou Men's Stadium in Seattle, where a battle full of gunpowder was about to take place: Inter Milan vs. Argentine giants River Plate. This was the last round of Group E of the 2025 Club World Cup - and a crucial battle to determine who would advance to the round of 16.

🧮 Background and group situation

Group E has three strong teams: Inter Milan, River Plate and Monterrey all have 4 points after the first two rounds. River Plate, which has a slight advantage in goal difference, is currently ranked first, but has not yet secured qualification. Since Monterrey will play against the weaker Urawa Red Diamonds in this round, Inter Milan and River Plate cannot accept a draw , otherwise they are likely to be squeezed out of the top two.

This means that the Italy-Argentina battle is not only a competition of technology, but also a contest of psychology and tactics.

 Inter Milan: The new Nerazzurri created by Chivu

• Head coach : Christian Chivu, only coached three games, but showed bold substitutions and flexible tactical arrangements.

• Key players :

  • Lautaro Martinez : He scored in both games and is in great form.

  • Valentin Carboni : The young midfielder came on as a substitute and made the final move, and may become a surprise weapon again.

  • Barrera : The brain of the midfield, selected into the best team this week.

• Comeback and Injury :

  • Dumfries and Thuram have returned, further strengthening the forward line.

  • There are doubts about Calhanoglu and Vlatsi's participation in the game, and there may be hidden dangers in the midfield and backcourt.

  • On the defensive line, Pavard and Bisek are still absent.

⚽ Game style:

Inter Milan tends to control the ball and penetrate the middle, using crosses from the wing to create set-piece opportunities. In the two games, they got a total of 11 corners, and set-pieces are an important means of scoring.

 River Plate: Gallardo's high-pressure possession tactics face a test

• Head coach : Marcelo Gallardo, who has rich coaching experience and emphasizes the balance between offense and defense and quick pressing.

• Key players :

  • Calidio and Mastantuno : South American rising stars who are expected to impact Inter Milan's defense.

  • De Rusi and Simon may be absent due to injuries, and the rotation in the midfield and frontcourt will be affected.

  • Castano was suspended due to a red card, and the defensive strength of the midfield decreased.

⚠ Tactical Warning:

• River Plate is good at ball control and passing and cutting, but may be under pressure facing Inter Milan's high pressing.

• They wasted many good opportunities against Monterrey, and their lack of finishing ability may become a shortcoming.

🔎 Goal and Corner Kick Predictions

• Inter Milan conceded goals in the first two games and their defense is not solid.

• River Plate kept a clean sheet, but faced with strong European teams the pressure increased dramatically.

• Both teams have players in hot form in their attacking lines, and the probability of both teams scoring a goal (BTTS) is high in this match .

• In terms of corner kicks, both teams are good at breaking through the flanks, and it is reasonable to expect the total number of corner kicks to exceed 8.5 .

🟨 Refereeing factors and disciplinary data

• Referee: Ilgiz Tantashev, a famous referee from Uzbekistan, averaging about 2.8 yellow cards per game.

• River Plate received a total of 9 yellow cards in the first two games, with serious disciplinary problems, and someone has already been sent off with a red card.

• Inter Milan was relatively restrained, with only three yellow cards.

This may affect the physical fitness and tactical execution in the later stages of the game, especially if someone from River Plate is sent off again, which will have a huge impact on the situation.

✍ Editor's prediction: 2-1, Inter Milan wins

This is a close match, but overall, Inter Milan has the advantage in terms of the state of key players and the depth of the lineup. Chivu has shown decisiveness and inspiration in his on-the-spot dispatching, and the forward combination of Lautaro and Thuram may open up the situation at a critical moment.

Although River Plate has control, injuries and suspensions limit the depth of their midfield. Once they fall behind, the speed of attack and defense transition may be limited.

Final prediction:

• ✅ Outcome: Inter Milan wins

• ✅ Score: 2-1

• ✅ Both teams score: Yes

• ✅ Total Corners: Over 8.5

• ✅ Yellow card count: River Plate more than Inter Milan

📢 Conclusion

This powerful dialogue between Inter Milan and River Plate is not only about the qualification, but also symbolizes the passionate collision between European and South American football. Who will have the last laugh will depend on on-the-spot wisdom, player performance and tactical execution. Seattle's Lumen Stadium is destined to witness a battle worth remembering.