Ajax vs Inter Milan, Champions League preview and history

Chivu’s choices, Sommer vs Martinez, Dimarco’s return and the echoes of unforgettable duels

Ajax vs Inter Milan: formation choices and debut in Champions League

Cristian Chivu is evaluating his options ahead of Inter Milan’s debut in the Champions League against Ajax. 

According to Sky Sport via Fcinter1908, it could be the moment for a goalkeeper switch: Spanish keeper Martinez is slightly ahead of Sommer. 

Federico Dimarco should start from the beginning, while de Vrij also has a chance to replace Acerbi. In midfield, Sucic could feature, leaving either Mkhitaryan or Barella on the bench.

There will be some changes, but no revolution. After the defeat against Juventus, Inter Milan need a reaction. The match against Ajax is a key chance to bounce back.

Ajax and Inter Milan meet again in the Champions League on September 17 at 21:00 in Amsterdam, for the first matchday of the 2025/26 group stage. A challenge that carries the weight of history, memory and present ambition.

So far, there have been five meetings: three wins for Inter Milan, one draw and one victory for Ajax.

A rivalry of eras: Ajax vs Inter Milan through the years

The final of 1972

Rotterdam, May 31, 1972. Inter Milan, coached by Giovanni Invernizzi, reached the European Cup final after eliminating Celtic in a dramatic semi-final on penalties. Facing them was Johan Cruyff’s Ajax, the embodiment of total football. 

For one half the game was balanced, then Cruyff’s brace decided it: 2-0 Ajax, their second consecutive trophy.

Crespo’s magic in 2002

In the 2002/03 group stage, Héctor Cúper’s Inter Milan faced Ajax. At San Siro on September 25, Hernán Crespo made the difference with a poacher’s finish from an Almeyda cross: 1-0, three points secured.

The return leg in Amsterdam on November 12 was intense. 

Crespo again proved decisive: at 49’, a header opened the scoring, then he inspired the second goal with a brilliant move that led to Vieri’s assist and another headed finish. 

Ajax pulled one back through van der Vaart, but Inter Milan won 2-1. Two games, three Crespo goals — a signature moment.

Stankovic and Cruz seal qualification in 2006

Four years later, in the 2005/06 round of 16, Ajax struck first with Huntelaar and Rosales. But Inter Milan fought back. 

Stankovic, assisted by Cambiasso, scored to reopen the game, and at 86’ Cruz netted the equaliser from close range.

In the second leg at San Siro, tension ruled. The breakthrough came at 57’: Stankovic unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box to beat Stekelenburg. 

That goal sent Inter Milan through, with the decisive contributions of Stankovic’s leadership and Cruz’s clinical touch.