Inter Milan Possible Lineup Against Real Madrid in the Champions League

Inter Arrive at the Bernabéu in Excellent Form

Inter Milan begin their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign on Tuesday, September 8 with a trip to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, in one of the marquee matchups of the opening round.

The Nerazzurri head to Spain with three consecutive Serie A victories and plenty of confidence after a dramatic 3-2 win over Napoli. Inter showed their resilience by coming from behind, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time.

Madrid enter the game in a different mood. José Mourinho’s side opened their LaLiga campaign with three straight wins before suffering their first setback in a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis. Still, facing the most successful club in European Cup history at the Bernabéu represents a major test for an Inter side determined to establish themselves among the Champions League contenders once again.

Chivu Could Stick With a Familiar Formula

Cristian Chivu has plenty of reason to maintain Inter’s familiar three-center-back system. The setup allows the Italian side to pack the midfield, protect their penalty area with numbers and use the wing-backs to provide width whenever they move forward.

Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni should play key roles in a back line facing the difficult task of containing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Yann Aurel Bisseck could complete the defensive trio, while Josep Martínez is in line to start in goal after an impressive performance against Napoli.

The midfield battle could be decisive. Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu provide the experience and technical quality to control possession, while Curtis Jones is an option to complete a midfield designed to prevent Madrid from finding the open spaces they can exploit so effectively.

Lautaro and Thuram Lead Inter’s Threat

Inter’s biggest attacking weapon remains Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine delivered when his team needed him most against Napoli, scoring twice, including the 91st-minute winner. His 25 goals in 65 appearances also make him Inter’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League.

Marcus Thuram is expected to partner him up front, offering a different dimension through his physical presence and movement. The Frenchman’s ability to stretch defenses can create valuable spaces for Lautaro and Inter’s midfielders arriving from deeper positions.

Inter’s challenge will be finding the right balance between containing one of Europe’s most dangerous attacks and remaining aggressive enough to trouble Real Madrid at the other end. The Nerazzurri may arrive in better recent form, but they know mistakes at the Bernabéu can quickly prove costly.

Inter Milan Possible Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Cristian Chivu could stick with a 3-5-2 formation, looking to control the midfield while relying on Lautaro and Thuram to lead the attack.

• Goalkeeper: Josep Martínez
• Center Back: Yann Aurel Bisseck
• Center Back: Manuel Akanji
• Center Back: Alessandro Bastoni
• Right Wing-Back: Luis Henrique
• Midfielder: Nicolò Barella
• Midfielder: Hakan Çalhanoğlu
• Midfielder: Curtis Jones
• Left Wing-Back: Federico Dimarco
• Striker: Lautaro Martínez
• Striker: Marcus Thuram

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube