Inter Milan vs Fluminense: Kick-Off Time in Nepal, Match Preview & Prediction

Inter Milan face Brazilian giants Fluminense in the last-16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in what promises to be a dramatic knockout clash. The match takes place at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, and kicks off on Monday, July 1 at 12:45 AM Nepal Time.

Match Details
Location: Charlotte, United States
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
Date: Monday, July 1
Kick-off Time: 12:45 AM Nepal Time
Referee: To be announced

Inter Milan’s Journey So Far
Inter Milan topped Group E with a strong 2–0 win over River Plate, thanks to second-half goals from Alessandro Bastoni and rising star Francesco Pio Esposito. They had earlier drawn with Monterrey and edged Urawa Red Diamonds in a comeback win. While they haven’t looked flawless, they remain unbeaten and are starting to shake off the scars of last season’s Champions League final loss.

Now coached by Cristian Chivu, Inter are aiming for their third straight win within 90 minutes for the first time since March — and a win here could set up a quarter-final meeting with either Al-Hilal or Manchester City.

Fluminense’s Road to the Knockouts
Fluminense, runners-up in Group F, played out a tense 0–0 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in their final match — enough to secure their place in the knockouts. Before that, they beat Ulsan HD 4–2 and held Borussia Dortmund to a goalless draw.

The Rio club is now unbeaten in nine matches, relying on solid defending and experienced heads like captain Thiago Silva and striker German Cano. They also made it to the Club World Cup final in 2023, only to lose 4–0 to Manchester City, so they won’t be fazed by the pressure.

Head-to-Head Record & Stats

• This is the first official meeting between Inter Milan and Fluminense.
• Fluminense are unbeaten in 14 matches against Italian clubs (10 wins, 4 draws).
• Inter have faced a Brazilian club only once before officially — a 1–0 loss to Santos in 1969.
• Inter are unbeaten in the 2025 Club World Cup so far (2 wins, 1 draw).
• Fluminense have kept clean sheets in 4 of their last 5 matches.

Team News

Inter Milan:
Lautaro Martinez leads the attack with 10 goals in 11 matches across UCL and Club World Cup. His usual strike partner Marcus Thuram is injured but may return to the bench. Francesco Pio Esposito is expected to start again. Davide Frattesi could make his tournament debut, while key players like Hakan Calhanoglu, Benjamin Pavard, and Piotr Zielinski have returned to Milan. Mehdi Taremi is unavailable due to Iranian airspace restrictions.

Predicted XI: Sommer; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Augusto; Esposito, Martinez.

Fluminense:
New signing Yeferson Soteldo is back in training and could make an appearance. Captain Thiago Silva is doubtful after a muscle issue, with Ignacio impressing in his absence. 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio will start again, while veterans Ganso and Cano could play key roles off the bench.

Predicted XI: Fabio; Xavier, Silva/Freytes, Rene; Hercules, Martinelli; Arias, Nonato, Canobbio; Everaldo.

What to Expect
Inter have the talent and structure to control the game, but Fluminense are experienced and defensively solid. If Inter can’t finish their chances in regular time, the match could swing in Fluminense’s favor — especially in extra time or penalties.

Kirib Prediction
Inter Milan 1–1 Fluminense (Fluminense win after extra time or penalties)
Fluminense’s resilience and experience might just carry them through, especially if the match goes beyond 90 minutes. Watch for a tight game, possibly decided from the spot.