The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final between Inter Milan and Fluminense promises to be a compelling encounter between two footballing powerhouses from different continents. Set to be played at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, this match carries both competitive weight and symbolic significance—Europe’s disciplined and structured football meets the rhythm and spontaneity of South American flair.
In this detailed analysis, we examine recent form, tactical dynamics, statistical breakdowns, player matchups, and expert betting tips. With Inter Milan considered clear favorites, we assess whether Fluminense has the weapons to upset the Italian giants or if the Nerazzurri will march confidently into the final.
In Charlotte, the heart of @NASCAR, a thrilling showdown awaits in the #FIFACWC! #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/bby3nAL9fD
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) June 29, 2025
Inter Milan vs Fluminense Current Form and Performance Trajectory
Inter Milan: Tactical Precision and Momentum
Inter Milan, led by Simone Inzaghi, enter this clash with a rich vein of form and superior tournament pedigree. The Serie A champions began their Club World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Monterrey, before finding their rhythm with a 2-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds and a dominant 2-0 victory against River Plate. This trajectory showcases their growing efficiency on the international stage.
Inter’s hallmark 3-5-2 formation has given them numerical dominance in midfield, flexible wing play, and defensive solidity. With standout performances from Alessandro Bastoni, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and captain Lautaro Martínez, they have seamlessly translated domestic form onto the global stage.
Over the past 10 matches across competitions, Inter have recorded:
- 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses
- An average of 1.6 goals scored per match
- 59.7% average possession
- 544 passes per game, with a high pass completion rate
- 0.8 goals conceded per match, indicating solid defensive discipline
Fluminense: Spirited but Inconsistent
Fluminense, under Brazilian tactician Renato Gaúcho, have had an unpredictable tournament. Their journey began with two goalless stalemates against Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns—matches that exposed their creative shortcomings. However, a 4-2 win over Ulsan HD reminded spectators of their attacking potential.
Though technically proficient, Fluminense’s tactical structure—typically a 4-2-3-1—has been vulnerable under sustained pressure. Their midfield often struggles to control tempo against elite opposition, and their defensive transitions have been suspect.
In their last 10 matches, Fluminense have:
- Achieved 6 victories, 2 draws, and 2 defeats
- Scored 1.5 goals per match
- Averaged 54.3% possession
- Conceded 1.0 goal per match
- Faced 5.8 corners against on average, showing defensive exposure
Inter Milan vs Fluminense Head-to-Head Tactical Analysis
Midfield Battle: Inter’s Engine Room vs. Fluminense’s Fragility
One of the most decisive aspects of this match will be the battle in midfield. Inter’s trio of Çalhanoğlu, Barella, and Frattesi have displayed exceptional positional sense and creativity. Against Fluminense’s Martinelli and Hercules, the Italians are likely to dominate ball retention and dictate the tempo.
The numerical overload in the center due to Inter’s 3-5-2 will pressure Fluminense to adapt. If they cannot transition quickly or absorb that pressure efficiently, they may struggle to build any rhythm or maintain possession for sustained periods.
Wing Play and Width Utilization
Inter’s wingbacks—Denzel Dumfries on the right and Carlos Augusto on the left—offer both defensive coverage and offensive width. Their vertical runs will force Fluminense’s full-backs into deeper positions, limiting Fluminense’s ability to attack in wide areas.
Fluminense, by contrast, rely on Jhon Arias and Agustin Canobbio to stretch the opposition. However, they risk being isolated if the midfield is bypassed, especially when Inter pushes high with overlapping runs.
Forward Threats
Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram form one of the most well-rounded attacking duos in the tournament. Martínez’s movement off the ball and clinical finishing, combined with Thuram’s physicality and flair, present a serious test for Fluminense’s defense.
Fluminense’s lone striker Everaldo will require support from attacking midfielders like Nonato and Arias, but this will be difficult if they are pinned back.
Full focus in Charlotte 🇺🇸@FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/K4ZHGfa9JN | @DAZNFootball#ForzaInter #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/TDgGR7qVX7
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) June 29, 2025
Inter Milan vs Fluminense Statistical Comparison
Team Stats (Last 10 Matches)
| Metric | Inter Milan | Fluminense |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 6 | 6 |
| Goals Scored (avg) | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| Goals Conceded (avg) | 0.8 | 1.0 |
| Possession (%) | 59.7 | 54.3 |
| Shots per Game | 12.5 | 11.3 |
| Shots on Target | 3.7 | 5.5 |
| Clean Sheets | 2 | 3 |
Key Player Contributions
Inter Milan
- Lautaro Martínez: 2 goals, leading the line with confidence.
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu: 3 assists, crucial in transitions and set pieces.
- Yann Sommer: 2 clean sheets, anchoring the defense.
Fluminense
- Kevin Serna: 3 goals, unpredictable in the final third.
- Jhon Arias: 4 assists, creative spark and tempo setter.
- Fabio (GK): Experienced shot-stopper, likely to be kept busy.
Inter Milan vs Fluminense Probable Starting Lineups
Inter Milan (3-5-2)
- Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
- Defense: Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni
- Midfield: Denzel Dumfries, Nicolò Barella, Davide Frattesi, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto
- Forwards: Lautaro Martínez, Marcus Thuram
Fluminense (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Fabio
- Defense: Samuel Xavier, Ignacio, Juan Freytes, Rene
- Midfield: Hercules, Martinelli
- Attacking Midfielders: Jhon Arias, Nonato, Agustin Canobbio
- Striker: Everaldo
Inter Milan vs Fluminense Betting Odds
Match Winner Odds
- Inter Milan: 1.70 (58.8% implied probability)
- Draw: 4.00
- Fluminense: 5.50
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It’s all about 𝑼𝑺 🇺🇸⚫️🔵⚽
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) June 29, 2025
@ FifaCWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/K4ZHGfa9JN | @DAZNFootball #ForzaInter #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #InterFluminense pic.twitter.com/XTekzCiZh7
Conclusion
Based on tactical setup, player quality, recent form, and underlying metrics, Inter Milan are the clear favorites to advance to the FIFA Club World Cup final. While Fluminense have shown flashes of brilliance, their inconsistent buildup play and susceptibility in defense suggest a difficult evening ahead.
Unless Fluminense produce an extraordinary collective performance and contain Inter’s wingbacks and attacking pair, they are likely to fall short. Inter’s structure, pressing organization, and experience in high-stakes games are all aligned for success.
