Inter return to San Siro on Tuesday night with an immediate European response in mind, as Cristian Chivu’s side host Club Brugge in the second round of the Champions League. The 2-1 defeat away to Real Madrid in the opening fixture did not disturb their domestic momentum, but it has given this meeting added weight: the Serie A leaders know that a home result can quickly restore balance to their group campaign.
Kick-off is set for 21:00 on 13 October. Rohit Saggi of Norway will referee the match, assisted by Anders Olav Dale and Ole Andreas Haukasen, with Sigurd Kringstad appointed as fourth official.
Inter arrive after a clear 3-0 league win over Parma, a match in which Chivu was able to preserve several important figures. Nicolò Barella, Manuel Akanji, Alessandro Bastoni and Piotr Zielinski were not used, and all four are expected to return from the opening whistle against the Belgian visitors. Their inclusion offers Inter both fresh legs and a chance to address the details that cost them in Madrid.
Brugge bring their own momentum to Milan
Club Brugge travel to Italy having also suffered defeat in their first Champions League outing, losing to Aston Villa. Their domestic record, however, underlines the threat they represent. Brugge sit second in Belgium, behind Gent, after winning six of their first seven league matches. They have scored 22 goals across all competitions, although their season has also included a Super Cup loss to Union Saint-Gilloise.
Their latest league performance was emphatic, with four goals scored away at La Louvière. Nicolo Tresoldi and Norwegian midfielder Hugo Vetlesen have led the scoring charts so far, each registering four times this season.
For Inter, the evening is less about drama than control of a long campaign. The league leaders have started strongly at home and have the opportunity to turn the disappointment of Madrid into a more settled European position. Brugge arrive with attacking form and a need of their own after losing to Villa, ensuring that San Siro will host two sides looking to make their first Champions League result count.
The match will be shown exclusively on Sky and Now, with streaming available through Sky Go and Now TV.
