Inter Milan face uphill task to overturn 3–1 deficit as Bodø/Glimt arrive at San Siro in Champions League playoff
Serie A leaders Inter Milan must recover from a 3–1 deficit when they welcome Bodø/Glimt to San Siro for the second leg of their Champions League playoff tie, a match that now carries both footballing and off-field storylines.
How the Champions League tie is poised to unfold
Bodø/Glimt carried a 3–1 advantage into the return fixture after scoring twice in quick succession around the hour mark to stun Inter in the first leg in Norway. The Norwegian side are described as a surprise package and now have one foot in the last 16 after that result.
Inter Milan team news and selection issues
Inter's captain Lautaro Martínez picked up a calf injury in the second half of the first leg. While there was some suggestion he could recover quicker than expected, he will not be available for Bodø's visit; the calf problem is said to be significant enough that it will sideline him for several weeks.
In Martínez's absence, Marcus Thuram is expected to partner last week's goalscorer Pio Esposito. Federico Dimarco was an unused substitute in the Arctic Circle in the first leg but is certain to start the second leg at San Siro. Piotr Zieliński is set to operate at the base of midfield in the absence of Hakan Çalhanoğlu, while Nicolo Barella will return to Cristian Chivu's engine room after missing a recent 2–0 victory over Lecce.
Bodø/Glimt's momentum and historic possibilities
Bodø's fairytale run in the Champions League gained momentum with their first-leg win. Sondre Brunstad Fet, Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Høgh were on target as Bodø became the first Norwegian team to win a match in the Champions League knockout stages. Their recent visits to Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid are cited as encouragement for the Norwegians ahead of another trip to a grand European amphitheater.
Following victories over Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the league phase, Bodø could become the first team from outside Europe's top five leagues to win four straight games in a European Cup/Champions League campaign against teams from those leagues since Ajax in 1971–72, the season Ajax went on to win the trophy.
Pitch controversy and Knutsen's response
Inter raised formal complaints to UEFA about the artificial surface at Aspmyra Stadion ahead of the tie. Kjetil Knutsen has rejected those complaints, saying there is nothing he can do about the pitch and that his team must focus on factors they can control. He also noted that his squad are unfamiliar with the San Siro pitch, and emphasised that dwelling on surfaces, cold or other external factors is not wise if a team wants to produce good performances.
Knutsen stressed a focus on identity and preparation: the path the team has chosen requires tough, functional training at high intensity and an emphasis on match rhythm. He cited coaching inspirations among others and singled out Jurgen Klopp as one of his biggest coaching influences, noting that Bodø take inspiration from Klopp and Liverpool in aspects of their approach.
Context, stakes and what to watch at San Siro
- Tie status: Inter Milan must overturn a 3–1 deficit from the first leg in Norway.
- Injuries/availability: Lautaro Martínez will not be available; Marcus Thuram and Pio Esposito are expected to lead the line for Inter.
- Midfield/defence notes: Federico Dimarco returns to start; Piotr Zieliński to anchor midfield in Hakan Çalhanoğlu's absence; Nicolo Barella returns after missing the win over Lecce.
- Atmosphere and surface: Bodø arrive off the back of historic results and a debate over the artificial pitch at Aspmyra Stadion; Knutsen has urged focus on performance rather than external complaints.
A preview of Tuesday's second leg has been published in advance of the match, and multiple broadcasters and streaming platforms were listed to carry the fixture. Final team sheets and the course of the tie will determine whether Bodø/Glimt complete a major upset or Inter embrace the chaos of a comeback at San Siro. Schedule and broadcast details are subject to change.
Recent updates indicate the situation around fitness and the pitch may evolve ahead of kick-off; further details may emerge as both teams finalise preparations.
