After the draw in the debut against Monterrey, For the 'Inter di Cristian Chivu It's already time for a showdown. Tonight's match against the Japanese Urawa Red Diamonds, valid for the second day of Group H, has the weight of an early final: no room for mistakes, because another misstep would seriously complicate the path towards the knockout phase. Between injuries, precarious physical condition and an opponent that is anything but predictable, the Nerazzurri are playing for an important part of their World Cup. On the pitch in Seattle, strong responses will be needed: technical, physical and mental.
Inter-Urawa Red Diamonds (21pm, Canale 5 and Dazn)
No mistakes allowed. After the draw in their debut against Monterrey, Cristian Chivu's Inter return to the field this evening to faceUrawa Red Diamonds, in a match that is already worth a play-off. The margin for error is zero: a win is needed to stay in the running in Group H of the Club World Cup. But the mission, between injuries and less than optimal physical condition, is expected to be more complicated than expected. The problems for Chivu begin already in the medical department.
In addition to the absence of Marcus Thuram, still struggling with muscle fatigue in the flexors, the Romanian coach will also have to do without Calhanoglu, Frattesi, Dumfries, Zielinski and Bisseck. The first three are increasing their loads and aiming to return in the third match against River Plate, while for the other two the return will be possible only in case of access to the knockout phase. However, the good news comes from Francesco Pio Esposito. The 2005-born player trained with the group and should join captain Lautaro from the first minute in the attacking tandem, with his “big brother” Sebastiano likely to sit on the bench. For Pio, it’s an important opportunity under the world spotlight, and perhaps a first concrete sign of the passing of the baton in attack.
Urawa Red Diamonds, third in the J-League and among the most followed clubs in Asia, will not be an easy customer. The team coached by Maciej Skorza lost 3-1 in their debut against River, but showed interesting plots and a clear identity. They almost equalized in the first half and held their own against the Argentines until the end, encouraged by a very passionate fan base: over 5 Japanese cheered on the team in Seattle in a fiery Lumen Field.
The number one public danger for Inter is called Ryoma Watanabe, a technical and fast attacking midfielder, the Reds' top scorer with 6 goals in the league. Eyes also on Yusuke Matsuo, an offensive star who scored a penalty against River, and the Brazilians Savio (formerly of Flamengo) and Thiago, a 13-goal bomber last season. While waiting for the result between the other two, the Nerazzurri must win to remain masters of their own destiny. Any other result would put them against the wall. A response of character is needed, despite the absences. The real Inter is needed.
Inter-Urawa Red Diamonds, probable formations
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Lautaro, Esposito
Coach: Chivu
Urawa Red Diamonds (4-2-3-1): Nishikawa; Ishihara, Danilo Boza, Hoibraaten, Naganuma; Yasui, Gustafson; Kaneko, Watanabe, Matheus Savio; Matsuo
Coach: Skorza
