Inter Vs Bodø/glimt: Chivu backs Frattesi and faces stern San Siro test after 3-1 deficit

The key storyline for Inter Vs Bodø/glimt is selection and spirit: Inter coach Cristian Chivu has handed Davide Frattesi a surprise start as his side attempt to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit, with the second leg kicking off at 20. 00 GMT (21. 00 CET) at San Siro. The choice—and the absence of Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Çalhanoğlu—frames a match in which mentality and tactical balance will determine whether Inter can complete the comeback.

Inter Vs Bodø/glimt: Chivu’s selection and message

Chivu has opted to start Davide Frattesi in midfield rather than Hakan Çalhanoğlu. The decision is notable given Frattesi’s recent record in the Champions League, having produced decisive goals late in last season’s knockout run. Chivu underlined the requirement for determination, attitude and balance, saying that the turnaround “can be done” and that the team must contribute collectively.

Up front, Francesco Pio Esposito—the scorer in Norway’s first leg—starts alongside Marcus Thuram. Inter must attempt to make up a two-goal aggregate shortfall without key figures: Lautaro Martinez will not be available for the visit and Hakan Çalhanoğlu is also absent from the starting setup. Those absences force tweaks in midfield and attack and elevate the importance of contributions from the rest of the squad.

Pitch spat and Knutsen’s response

Bodø/Glimt’s coach rejected complaints about the state of their artificial surface at Aspmyra Stadion and pushed back on criticism ahead of the return leg. He noted that his team is also unfamiliar with San Siro’s turf, and emphasized focusing only on controllable elements. The first leg ended 3-1 in Bodø’s favour, with Sondre Brunstad Fet, Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Høgh on the scoresheet as Bodø became the first Norwegian team to win a match in the Champions League knockout stages.

Inter had lodged a complaint about the artificial pitch prior to the first leg. The same first-leg tie also left Inter’s captain sidelined with a calf injury that will keep him out for several weeks, compounding Inter’s task in Milan.

Lineup signals and tactical watch points

Selection hints suggest a pragmatic Inter approach. Piotr Zieliński is set to operate at the base of midfield in Çalhanoğlu’s absence, while Nicolò Barella is poised to return to the engine room after missing the most recent domestic fixture. Federico Dimarco, unused in the Arctic Circle during the first leg, is expected to start at San Siro.

For Bodø/Glimt, the earlier away performance demonstrated slickness and resilience—qualities that chastened Inter in Norway and that will be tested again under Milan lights. Bodø’s run in the competition has included strong results on the continent, and their tight-knit setup has produced surprising outcomes against top opposition.

What to watch and what’s next

• Game state: Inter must overturn a two-goal deficit on aggregate; early goals would reshape the tie dramatically.
• Midfield battle: The Frattesi selection and Zieliński’s anchoring role change Inter’s midfield profile and could determine control of tempo.
• Defensive discipline: Bodø’s counter and transition threat proved effective in the first leg; Inter must neutralize those channels to create chances.

This tie will be decided by how well Inter translate Chivu’s call for determination and balance into a coherent plan on the pitch, and whether Bodø can maintain the intensity that produced their landmark first-leg victory. Details and lineups may evolve before kickoff, and developments during the match will ultimately settle the tie.