Inter Milan vs Urawa Red Diamonds: Lineup, prediction, other details

Inter Milan will look to assert their dominance when they take on Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds in their second group stage match of the FIFA Club World Cup.

The clash, set to take place at Lumen Field in Seattle, is crucial for both sides. Inter are aiming to secure their first win of the tournament after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Monterrey, while Urawa Reds are desperate to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to River Plate.

The Italian giants, under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, will be hoping to find their rhythm and deliver a more clinical performance.

Despite creating multiple chances against Monterrey, they struggled with conversion and allowed their opponents to equalise late in the game.

With key players like Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Denzel Dumfries, Yann Bisseck, and Mehdi Taremi ruled out due to injuries, Inter will need to rely heavily on the likes of Lautaro Martínez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to provide attacking spark.

On the other hand, Urawa Red Diamonds find themselves at the bottom of the group and must take risks if they hope to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Managed by Maciej Skorża, the J1 League side showed flashes of brilliance in attack against River Plate but were let down by defensive lapses. Their counter-attacking pace could be a potential weapon against Inter, particularly with the likes of Kaneko and Watanabe on the wings.

Tactically, the match is expected to be a battle of possession versus pace. Inter will look to control the midfield through Nicolo Barella and Kristjan Asllani, while Urawa Reds will hope to exploit spaces left behind through quick transitions.

The Italian side is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Yann Sommer in goal; Darmian, Acerbi, Pavard, and Bastoni in defence; Barella and Asllani in midfield; and Mkhitaryan supporting Lautaro Martínez in attack.

Urawa are likely to deploy a more conservative 4-5-1 setup, with Nishikawa in goal; a backline of Ishihara, Boza, Høibråten, and Naganuma; Gustafson and Yasui in central midfield; Kaneko, Sávio, and Watanabe playing behind lone striker Matsuo.

Considering the difference in quality and depth, Inter Milan are strong favourites to win. Lautaro Martínez, in particular, will be expected to make the difference with his sharp movement and finishing. Urawa Reds may test Inter’s backline but sustaining pressure across 90 minutes could be a tall order.

Prediction: Inter Milan 3–1 Urawa Red Diamonds. Inter’s class and superior organisation should see them through, although Urawa may grab a consolation goal through one of their fast breaks. A win for Inter will put them in strong contention for a place in the knockout stages.