Inter vs Bodø / Glimt

Chivu’s side are looking to bounce back following a 3-1 first-leg playoff loss to Bodo/Glimt last Wednesday. Inter had restored parity in the 30th minute, having fallen behind but eventually capitulated. Despite the recent defeat to the visitors, Inter have historically enjoyed success against Norwegian opposition. Their only previous meetings with Bodø/Glimt before this season came in the 1978/79 European Cup Winners’ Cup, when the Italian side progressed 7-1 on aggregate, with Alessandro Altobelli scoring three times across the two legs. More recently, Inter also faced Rosenborg in the 2002/03 Champions League group stage, drawing away and winning comfortably at home. Overall, the Nerazzurri have won both of their home matches against Norwegian clubs without conceding, scoring eight goals in the process—a record they will hope to maintain. That said, recent form raises concerns, with four defeats in their last five Champions League matches and consecutive home losses. Francesco Pio Esposito and Marcus Thuram could team up at the attacking end of Inter’s 3—5—2 set-up. Lautaro Martinez is ruled out due to a thigh injury.

Bodø/Glimt arrive with a growing European pedigree. They have won only one of their five two-legged ties against Italian opposition, but that success came recently in dramatic fashion against Lazio in last season’s UEFA Europa League quarter-finals. They have also claimed victories in two of their last five matches against Italian sides, including memorable performances despite a narrow home defeat to Juventus earlier in the campaign. Confidence is high after the Norwegian side won their last three matches in the competition, including a notable 2-1 away victory at Atlético Madrid — their first ever away win in the Champions League proper. The Norwegians will be counting on their attacking prowess once again when they visit the San Siro, having scored two or more goals in seven of their last nine European games. Striker Kasper Høgh has been a huge contributor, netting four times in his last three appearances. In total, the 25-year-old Danish striker has 5 goals and 4 assists in the UEFA Champions League this season. He will be looking to increase his tally when he appears at the attacking end of Bodo’s 4—3—3 formation. Former Milan player Jens Petter Hauge and Ole Didrik Blomberg could team up with Høgh.