Ajax vs Inter Milan – Match preview and team news

Ajax and Inter Milan go head-to-head in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Both sides will be searching for a positive start to the league phase format, with this fixture marking the opening matchday of the 2025/26 campaign.

1. Date: 17th September, Wednesday.
2. Kick-off: 8pm BST.
3. Venue: Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam.

Ajax Team News

Ajax manager John Heitinga has nearly a full squad available for this Champions League opener. The Dutch side will be without midfielder Branco van den Boomen, who remains sidelined with a back injury. However, newly signed goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros is expected to feature after joining on loan from Liverpool.

Summer signing Oscar Gloukh has impressed since his move from Red Bull Salzburg and could make his Champions League debut for Ajax. The club has made significant investments in their squad, bringing in Ko Itakura from Borussia Mönchengladbach and re-signing striker Kasper Dolberg from Anderlecht.

Wout Weghorst and Mika Godts are expected to lead the attacking line, with Godts having scored a brace in Ajax’s recent 3-1 victory over PEC Zwolle. Captain Davy Klaassen and Kenneth Taylor will anchor the midfield.

Inter Milan Team News

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu has a fully fit squad at his disposal for the trip to Amsterdam. Marcus Thuram avoided serious injury despite finishing the recent Derby d’Italia against Juventus with cramps and will be available. The French striker is expected to partner captain Lautaro Martinez in attack.

Josep Martinez could replace Yann Sommer between the posts following Sommer’s poor performance in the 4-3 defeat to Juventus. Summer signing Manuel Akanji is likely to feature in defence alongside Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni.

Form

Ajax

John Heitinga’s side has remained unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions. Their domestic form has been impressive, with the team showing attacking fluency in their 3-1 win over PEC Zwolle. However, Ajax’s recent Champions League record has been concerning, winning just one of their last five European matches.

The Amsterdam club finished second n the Eredivisie last season after a dramatic collapse that saw them surrender a nine-point lead to eventual champions PSV Eindhoven. Heitinga, who returned to the club as head coach after spells as assistant at West Ham United and Liverpool, is eager to restore Ajax’s European pedigree.

Inter Milan

Inter’s recent form has been mixed under new coach Cristian Chivu. The Nerazzurri impressed with a 5-0 victory over Torino but then suffered consecutive defeats to Udinese and Juventus in Serie A. Their latest setback was a thrilling 4-3 loss to Juventus despite leading 3-2 with ten minutes remaining.

Despite the domestic struggles, Inter bring significant Champions League experience, having reached the final last season before losing 5-0 to Paris Saint-Germain. Chivu replaced Simone Inzaghi and will be looking to make an immediate impact in Europe’s premier competition.

Predicted Lineups

Ajax: Jaros; Gaaei, Itakura, Baas, Wijndal; Regeer, Taylor, Klaassen; Berghuis, Weghorst, Godts

Inter Milan: Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Sucic, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez

UK fans can watch the game on TNT Sports 5.

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