Cristian Chivu is poised to field his strongest starting eleven as Inter prepares to challenge a 3-1 deficit in the second leg of their Champions League play-off round against Bodo/Glimt this Tuesday evening.
The Nerazzurri found themselves in the play-off round—alongside Juventus and Atalanta—after not finishing in the top eight during the Champions League group phase. Inter was defeated 3-1 in Bodo, located north of the Arctic Circle, last Wednesday.
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Injuries have left Inter with several key players sidelined, particularly captain Lautaro Martinez, who sustained a calf strain during the first leg against Bodo/Glimt and is expected to be out for several weeks. Hakan Calhanoglu is also likely to be unavailable for the match on Tuesday.
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano attempts a scissor kick during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match against FK Bodo/Glimt at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
Denzel Dumfries is back in contention but has not played since November, making him unlikely to start in this vital Champions League matchup.
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As reported by Sky Sport Italia, Pio Esposito and Marcus Thuram are expected to lead the attack in Lautaro’s absence.
Nicolo Barella will likely return to the midfield after serving a suspension over the weekend, while Piotr Zielinski is anticipated to take up a position at the base of the midfield in place of Calhanoglu. Sky Sport Italia suggests that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will round out the midfield trio.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.
Inter vs. Bodo/Glimt: Expected Line-ups
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; L.Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito.
Bodo/Glimt (4-3-3): Haikin; Sjovold, Bjortuft, Gundersen, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Brunstad Fet; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge.
How to Watch Inter vs. Bodo/Glimt
BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Nikita Khaikin of Bodo/Glimt catches the ball under pressure from Manuel Akanji of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match on February 18, 2026. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)
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