Inter vs River Plate: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

Group E of the Club World Cup is finely poised for a Thursday shootout in Seattle between. Inter Milan and River Plate. They go head to head in what is, for most intents and purposes, a knockout game for the knockout stage.

The teams are sharing the top of the table with four points apiece (Plate is ahead on goal difference). Lurking behind is Monterrey with two points and a chance to go through in case of at least a two-goal win against Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds.

Inter There for the Taking

Inter's goal is clear: no less than a victory takes the Nerazzuri across the group stage finish line. It's either top of the table or bust.

Back in Europe, the story of Inter took a U-turn towards the end of the season. On their way to the double, the Nerazzzuri lost the Scudetto to Napoli before capitulating 5:0 to PSG in the Champions League finals. However, the final nail in the club's coffin for 2025 was the loss of coach Simone Inzaghi to Al Hilal.

Chivu's side didn't shine in the US either. They drew against Monterrey and beat Urawa Reds after an arduous comeback but looked unconvincing in both ties. The team looks like they need a rest and time to reinvent, but games are coming thick and fast.

Inter Injury & Suspension News

Denzel Dumfries, Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi—who all missed the Urawa showdown, will be ready for Seattle. At the same time, Marcus Thuram, Piotr Zielinski, Benjamin Pavard, and Yann Bisseck remain sidelined.

River Plate in Control

The Argentine side has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to land a major blow to a European powerhouse. Despite relishing such an opportunity, Marcelo Gallardo's men are gutted not to have finished the job earlier.

Los Millonarios had Monterrey under control but, like so many times this domestic season, couldn't find their offensive boots and finished the game in a goalless draw. The 3:1 win to Urawa still puts them in a pole position where a draw (even a loss in some scenarios) will do the trick, thanks to the superior goal difference.

Needless to say, the two sides never met on a pitch before. The only time River faced an Italian side was in the 1996 Intercontinental Cup final. Juventus beat them 1:0 with current manager Marcelo Gallardo watching from the bench.

River Plate Injury & Suspension News

River Plate is decimated by suspensions as Kevin Castano, Enzo Pérez, and Giuliano Galoppo all picked up bookings that will keep them out of the Inter clash. Likewise, attacker Sebastian Driussi is out with an ankle sprain injury.

Inter vs River Plate Prediction

River Plate has suffered only one defeat in its last 19 competitive games. That’s mostly thanks to its tidy and organised backline, and I expect Marcelo Gallardo to rely on defence for large stretches of the game—particularly with so many suspensions crippling the midfield.

Inter is 1.94 at Shuffle to win the bout. Indeed, the team sheet favours the Italians with important players back from injury, but I don't think they can reinvent themselves just yet. Whatever happens on Thursday in Seattle—and I'm leaning towards a draw—it's going to be a hard-fought result with not many goals in either net.

CryptoGamba tip: Under 3.5 goals – 1.40 @Jackbit