Champions League 2025-2026: Inter-Arsenal, the likely lineups

The top of the class in Italy faces the team that is dominating in the Premier League: the penultimate day of the single round of the Champions League includes, among Tuesday’s matches at 9 p.m., the one between Inter and Arsenal, in a Meazza that promises to be packed. Cristian Chivu, grappling with a few heavy absences but with a group now broken in, challenges Mikel Arteta: at stake is the chance to mortgage direct qualification to the round of 16.

The Inter coach is expected to confirm Sommer between the posts and the three-man defensive line with Bisseck, Akanji and the returning Bastoni. In midfield, with Calhanoglu still unavailable, there is a move toward confirming Zielinski in the role of play, flanked by Barella and Mkhitaryan, while Luis Henrique and Dimarco will act on the lanes. In attack, after alternating different solutions in recent matches, the coach returns to the starting pair: Lautaro Martinez together with Thuram.

On the other side Arteta presents himself with a 4-3-3 now consolidated, despite the absences of Calafiori and Hincapié that reduce the options in defense. In front of Raya will act a line composed of Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Lewis-Skelly. In the middle of the field there will be room for Odegaard, Zubimendi and Rice, although the Norwegian is not at his best: in case of a forfeit, Eze would step up in the median with Martinelli ready to complete the offensive trident. In attack, barring surprises, there will also be Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

Probable lineups

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro, Thuram. All. Chivu.

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Eze. All. Arteta.