Inter must overturn a 2-1 deficit to Bodo/Glimt at San Siro with Lautaro Martínez sidelined. Dimarco warns of lethal counters, so punters should be wary of backing a heavy Inter win; consider Both Teams To Score or Inter to win by a one- or two-goal margin on aggregate, rather than a 3+ goal comeback.
Inter Milan Face Uphill Champions League Task After Bodo/Glimt Defeat
Inter travel into Tuesday’s decisive clash needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit after the Norwegian champions exploited a synthetic pitch to take the first-leg advantage. The San Siro giants have never overturned a knockout tie at the top level by a 3+ goal margin, and injuries add to the challenge.
Dimarco Praises Bodo/Glimt and Issues Warning
Federico Dimarco lauded Bodo/Glimt’s quality ahead of the return leg, calling them a “solid” opponent and pointing to their impressive recent results against top teams. “Obviously, it will be a very attacking game,” Dimarco said. “We’re two goals down, so we’ll have to be careful of their counterattacks, which have been costly for us in some matches. We have to focus on scoring; the first thought is to overturn the deficit as quickly as possible.”
Coach and Lineup Notes
Coach Cristian Chivu will be without star striker Lautaro Martínez after the forward suffered a calf injury in the first leg. Federico Dimarco is expected to return to the starting XI after coming off the bench in Bodo, adding a familiar attacking outlet from the left.
Tactical Picture: Attack Needed, Counters Feared
Inter must balance urgency with caution: they need goals but cannot ignore Bodo/Glimt’s fast transitions. The Norwegian side showed they can hurt top teams on the break, and Inter’s approach is likely to be high-intensity but risk-exposed on counters.
Player Spotlight: Francesco Pio Esposito
Dimarco singled out youngster Francesco Pio Esposito for praise, calling him hardworking and deserving of his recent progress. Esposito’s energy and persistence could be a key asset if Inter push numbers forward in search of goals.
Betting Implications and What Punters Should Watch
With Martínez absent and Inter under pressure to score, expect an open match.
Betting angles to consider:
- Both Teams To Score (BTTS): Bodo’s counter threat and Inter’s need to attack make BTTS a plausible pick.
- Inter to win narrowly or advance on aggregate by one or two goals is likelier than a 3+ goal Inter comeback.
- Markets on corners, total goals over 2.5, or first-half Inter pressure may reflect the home side’s attacking intent.
What’s at Stake
Progressing would mean Inter avoid missing the Champions League Round of 16 for the first time since 2020/21.
Inter Milan Prepare To Offer Italy Defender New Contract Amid Barcelona Speculation
The tie presents a stern test of the club’s European mettle and will demand an “Inter-level” performance at San Siro.
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