Ajax vs Inter Milan: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

Ajax will have the luxury of opening their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign at home, though they would’ve preferred to do so against an easier opponent and not Inter Milan.

The Serie A giants reached the UCL final in 2024-25 and once again look like a title contender, while Ajax could consider this campaign a success if they managed to get into the knockout stages.

Ajax to Extend Their Undefeated Start?

Ajax are one of the top title contenders in the Eredivisie on a yearly basis and have enjoyed a solid start to their domestic campaign after going undefeated in their first five league matches (W3, D2). However, it’s unclear if that strong domestic start will translate to European success. Ajax haven’t reached the knockout stages in three of their last four UCL attempts since reaching the semifinals in 2018/19.

One thing that could play in Ajax’s favor is the fact that they’ve won their opening match in the UCL in four of their previous five seasons. However, they’re winless in their last four head-to-head meetings against Inter Milan, and it’s unclear if they have enough defensive prowess to contain the threat that the Nerazzurri represent in the final third.

Ajax Injury & Suspension News

Ajax will be close to full strength for this UCL opener. Branco van den Boomen is out with a back injury and Aaron Bouwman is doubtful due to a head problem, but neither would be a starter if healthy. Ajax should field something quite close to their Best XI for this contest.

Inter Milan Feeling the Pressure of a Slow Start

Things are far from quiet at Inter Milan. The Serie A giants enjoyed an excellent result in the 2025-26 Serie A opener with a commanding 5-0 win over Torino, but that win was quickly forgotten after the team suffered back-to-back losses to Udinese and Juventus in their last two matches. Manager Cristian Chivu is under pressure following the 4-3 loss in Derby d'Italia on Saturday, during which they were leading until the final ten minutes.

Despite having the same core XI of the squad that reached the UCL final in 2024-25 under the tutelage of Simone Inzaghi, Inter isn’t clicking on either end of the pitch, with the defensive issues being the biggest problem by far. Inter have already conceded six goals in three Serie A matches, and that doesn’t bode well for a trip to the Netherlands, where their defense will be tested once again.

Inter Milan Injury & Suspension News

Inter Milan are at full strength for this game and won’t have any absences to note.

Ajax vs Inter Milan Prediction

This is going to be a back-and-forth match, and although both teams have shown deficiencies in defence, those will probably be overshadowed by the amount of attacking talent both clubs will have at their disposal. Considering that and the porous defences, this game could easily see both teams scoring and over 2.5 total goals.

CryptoGamba tip: Over 2.5 total goals and both teams scoring – 1.97 @ Stake