By Inter Milan face one of their toughest nights in recent memory. Down 3-1 from the first leg, the Nerazzurri must stage an Inter Milan Champions League fightback at San Siro to stay alive in the competition. Coach Cristian Chivu says it is possible — and his team selection shows he means it. TrendingUpdatesToday.com breaks down everything you need to know ahead of this must-win second leg.
The Size of Inter Milan’s Champions League Challenge
The numbers are daunting. Inter need to score at least three goals against Bodo/Glimt while keeping a clean sheet to advance. That task gets even harder without two of their best players. Lautaro Martinez misses out through injury, and Hakan Calhanoglu is also unavailable. Losing the captain and the midfield engine in the same game would damage any club’s chances.
Yet Chivu remains calm and confident. “Everything is feasible — it’s up to us, our determination, attitude and balance, because it can be done,” he told Sky Sport Italia before the match. That belief matters. The players need to see it from their coach.
Why Chivu Started Frattesi: A Bold and Smart Call
The biggest talking point in Chivu’s lineup is the inclusion of Davide Frattesi in midfield. With Calhanoglu absent, many expected a like-for-like replacement. Instead, Chivu went with Frattesi — a player known for his energy, box-to-box running, and big-game goals.
The numbers back the decision. Frattesi scored crucial Champions League goals last season, including strikes that eliminated Bayern Munich and Barcelona on Inter’s run to the final. He is exactly the type of player you want when the odds are against you.
Chivu explained: “Like all the others, he is a valuable member of the group. He showed that last season and at times this term. We need everyone to give their contribution to the cause.”
This answers the question many fans are asking — why did Chivu start Frattesi against Bodo/Glimt? Because he has done it before under pressure, and Chivu trusts him to do it again.
Inter Milan’s Starting XI: Key Names to Watch
| Player | Role | Key Strength |
| Francesco Pio Esposito | Striker | Scored in the first leg |
| Marcus Thuram | Striker | Physical presence and pace |
| Davide Frattesi | Midfielder | Champions League big-game goals |
Francesco Pio Esposito starts upfront after scoring in Norway in the first leg. He partners Marcus Thuram, who brings physicality and the ability to hold up play under pressure. The front two gives Inter real goal threat even without Lautaro Martinez.
Bodo/Glimt Second Leg: What Inter Must Do Differently
In the Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt second leg preview, the key word is urgency. Inter cannot afford a slow start. They need to score early to put pressure on the Norwegian side and force them into errors.
Bodo/Glimt are not a team to underestimate. They shocked Inter in Norway with a disciplined and clinical performance. But San Siro at full voice is a different environment. The atmosphere, the pressure, and the experience of playing at home could swing the game.
Inter’s best path to victory is through intensity in the first 20 minutes. Score once, and the tie opens up. Let Bodo/Glimt sit deep and protect their lead, and it becomes almost impossible.
Big Names in the Stands Watching
The stakes of this Champions League play-off are not lost on the footballing world. Former Inter hero Ronaldo and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola are both present at San Siro. Their presence adds even more weight to an already massive occasion.
When legends of the game travel to watch you, the motivation in the dressing room should be sky-high.
Conclusion
The Inter Milan Champions League fightback is not just possible — it is the only option. Chivu has made bold choices, trusted his big-game players, and made clear that he believes in his squad. Frattesi has the history to deliver. Thuram and Esposito have the tools to score. The crowd at San Siro has the voice to push them over the line.
Whether Inter complete one of the great comebacks in this season’s Champions League play-off remains to be seen. But the belief, the lineup, and the occasion are all there. TrendingUpdatesToday.com will have full coverage and updates as this dramatic night unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Inter Milan complete the Champions League fightback against Bodo/Glimt? Yes, it is possible but very difficult. Inter need to score at least three goals while keeping a clean sheet. Coach Cristian Chivu says the team has the determination to do it.
2. Why did Chivu start Frattesi against Bodo/Glimt? Chivu chose Davide Frattesi because of his record of scoring important Champions League goals. With Calhanoglu absent, Frattesi gives Inter energy, dynamism, and proven big-game quality.
3. Who replaces Lautaro Martinez in the Inter Milan lineup? Francesco Pio Esposito starts upfront alongside Marcus Thuram. Esposito scored in the first leg in Norway, making him a logical choice despite the captain’s absence.
4. Where is the Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt second leg being played? The second leg takes place at Inter Milan San Siro, kicking off at 20:00 GMT on February 24, 2026.
5. What is at stake in the Champions League play-off second leg? The winner of the tie advances to the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. For Inter, it means continuing their European campaign. For Bodo/Glimt, it would be a historic achievement to eliminate the Italian giants.
Sources
- Sky Sport Italia – Chivu pre-match press conference quotes: https://sport.sky.it
- Yahoo Sports / Football Italia – Match report and build-up: https://sports.yahoo.com
- UEFA – Official Champions League format and rules: https://www.uefa.com