Monday's game will mark the first official confrontation among the Brazilian teams between and Italians.
Photo: EFE – Sarah Yenesel
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On Monday, the Bank of America Stadium will be the stage of a special flavor clash in the round of 16 of the 2025 Club World Cup. Inter Milan, one of the heavyweights of Europe, will be measured for the first time in its history against Fluminense, a club that dreams of being the great South American revelation of the tournament.
The Inter de Cristian Chivu went from less to more in the group stage. He opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Monterrey, but he knew how to react: 2-1 victory against Urawa Red Diamonds and 2-0 solid triumph against River Plate to close as leader of Group E. With a template that mixes hierarchy and young replacement, the Italians reach the duel with the pressure of being favorites.
Fluminense, led by Renato Gaúcho, ended second in Group F. He tied without goals against Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Slowns, and found his best version by beating Ulsan Hyundai 4-2. That game gave the ticket to the eighth and showed the most offensive face of the Carioca team.
In Inter, all eyes point to Captain Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine remains the offensive reference, accompanied by figures such as Nicolò Barella, Alessandro Bastoni and Denzel Dumfries. The positive news is the return of the Frenchman Marcus Thuram, recovered from discomfort in the adductors that limited him only 33 minutes against Monterrey. Thuram, author of 18 goals last season, could return to the starting eleven and make a duo with Lautaro.
The young Pio Esposito, who excited to score against River, is doubtful for muscle fatigue and his presence will be decided at the last minute.
Jhon Arias, the Colombian engine that excites the Fluminense
Jhon Arias has been much more than a good complement in this Fluminense that dreams of giving surprise in the 2025 Club World Cup. The 27 -year -old Chocoano attacker has become the most influential piece of the team led by Renato Gaúcho: chosen more valuable player in two of the three games of the group stage, Arias combines talent, sacrifice and a reading of the game that marks different.
His most complete performance came against Ulsan Hyundai, where he opened the scoring with a free kick goal and closed the win with a millimeter assistance. But even in the debut, when Fluminense tied without goals against Borussia Dortmund, Arias was the most incisive, bothering the German defense with her mobility and precision.
“Nothing is by chance, I am a guy who always tries to improve and be as complete as possible”Arias summarized about his preparation, which is reflected in his performance within the court. Now, before Inter Milan, the Colombian will be the team's thermometer again: the one who decides when to accelerate, when to pause and, above all, when to risk to change the game.
For Fluminense, a good part of his chances of hitting the inspiration of Arias. And for Colombian football, it represents the confirmation of a talent that continues to grow and wants to shine in the biggest showcase in club football.
An unpublished crossing
Monday's game will mark the first official confrontation – and also the first in any context – between Inter and Fluminense. Two clubs with different styles and different realities: one candidate for history and template; another, with the ambition to give the great blow.
Time and where to see Inter vs. Fluminense at the 2025 Club World Cup
- Date: June 30
- Time: 2:00 pm hour in Colombia
- Transmission: Dazn and DirecTV
- Estadio: Bank of America de Charlotte
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