Ajax will face Inter Milan in the Champions League. Both teams are under new leadership and are hoping to bounce back from disappointing campaigns. The game is expected to be competitive. A draw looks to be a likely outcome for the match in Amsterdam.
The Johan Cruyff Arena is set to host a thrilling Champions League encounter as Ajax welcomes Inter Milan on Wednesday evening. This match marks the beginning of Ajax's quest for European glory in the 2025-26 season, while Inter Milan aims to build on their previous season's impressive run to the final. Both teams are eager to make a statement after experiencing disappointing ends to their respective domestic campaigns last term.
Ajax enters this Champions League phase with momentum, remaining undefeated in the early stages of the season. However, the ghosts of last season's late collapse still linger. Under Francesco Farioli, Ajax squandered a commanding nine-point lead in the Eredivisie, ultimately missing out on the title. This disappointment was compounded by an early Europa League exit and another fruitless pursuit of the KNVB Beker. The pressure is on for Ajax to end their three-year trophy drought.
In response to last season's shortcomings, Ajax has turned to a familiar face, bringing back John Heitinga to guide the team. Heitinga, a club legend with prior coaching experience at West Ham and Liverpool, has stabilized the ship. Under his leadership, Ajax has secured three consecutive home wins and two away draws, including a recent 3-1 victory over PEC Zwolle. Heitinga's tactical acumen and deep understanding of the club's culture are seen as crucial assets in navigating the challenges of the Champions League.
Ajax's recent Champions League record has been underwhelming. Since their remarkable semi-final appearance in 2019, they have only managed to progress beyond the group stage once in four attempts. This year's campaign carries added historical significance, as their opening match against Inter Milan is a repeat of the 1972 European Cup final, where Ajax emerged victorious. However, in their subsequent four Champions League encounters with Inter, Ajax has failed to secure a win, losing three of those matches.
Heitinga has nearly a full squad at his disposal, with only Branco van den Boomen sidelined due to a back injury. Wout Weghorst is expected to lead the attack, supported by Mika Godts, who is coming off a brace at the weekend, and Steven Berghuis. Kenneth Taylor will provide a goalscoring threat from midfield, while summer acquisition Oscar Gloukh brings valuable Champions League experience from his time with Salzburg.
Inter Milan, under the guidance of new coach Cristian Chivu, is also looking to bounce back from a disappointing end to their previous season. They surrendered the Scudetto to Napoli and suffered a devastating 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final – a result that marked the end of Simone Inzaghi’s tenure. Chivu, a Champions League winner with Inter in 2010, faces the challenge of instilling his vision into a squad still reeling from the previous season’s heartbreak.
Inter's Serie A form has been inconsistent. A resounding 5-0 victory over Torino was followed by a shocking home defeat to Udinese and a thrilling Derby d’Italia, where Inter surrendered a late lead to lose 4-3 against Juventus. These results highlight the team's vulnerability and the need for greater consistency under Chivu's leadership.
Chivu boasts a full squad, including deadline-day signing Manuel Akanji, who made his debut in the chaotic Turin clash. New additions Petar Sucic, Andy Diouf, and Ange-Yoan Bonny are also vying for playing time. Marcus Thuram has made an immediate impact, netting three league goals already this season. Lautaro Martinez, Inter's key attacking weapon and last year's nine-goal Champions League top scorer, will spearhead the attack.
Inter's recent Champions League form has been strong, losing just one of their last 14 group or league stage matches and maintaining eight clean sheets in their last nine games. However, Chivu's Inter is still a work in progress and will face a stern test against an Ajax side that is formidable at home. Both teams are adapting to new leadership, making a competitive draw a likely outcome in Amsterdam.