Dumfries returns, Calhanoglu out as Inter Milan face Bodo/Glimt test

Chivu regains Dutch firepower but loses his midfield metronome ahead of decisive Champions League playoff clash

Inter Milan approach their Champions League playoff second leg against Bodo/Glimt with a mixed medical bulletin and a mountain to climb. 

The good news arrives on the right flank: Denzel Dumfries is back among the squad. The bad news echoes louder in midfield, where Hakan Calhanoglu remains sidelined.

The Turkish playmaker has not recovered from fatigue in the adductor of his right leg and will miss the return leg. 

He will be reassessed by the medical staff ahead of the upcoming Serie A fixture against Genoa CFC. His absence deprives Inter Milan of rhythm, long range shooting and leadership in a match that demands all three.

The stage is set for a dramatic European night. Inter Milan must overturn a 3–1 deficit suffered in Norway against FK Bodo/Glimt. 

Qualification for the Champions League Round of 16 hangs in the balance, and the Nerazzurri need a performance stitched with courage and precision.

Defensive and midfield choices shape Inter Milan’s plan

Head coach Cristian Chivu still has two key selection dilemmas.

In defense, Yann Bisseck currently leads the race over Francesco Acerbi, though the veteran hopes to edge into the starting eleven. Alongside them, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni are expected to complete the back line.

Midfield offers another tactical fork in the road. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is slightly favored over Luka Sucic, with Piotr Zielinski and Nicolò Barella anchoring the engine room. On the wings, Luis Henrique is set for the right side, while Federico Dimarco patrols the left. Dumfries’ return provides an additional surge of pace and physicality, a timely injection of thrust for Inter Milan.

Up front, the absence of Lautaro Martinez, who joins Calhanoglu on the injury list, reshapes the attack. 

Young Francesco Pio Esposito is ready to partner Marcus Thuram. It is a pairing built on energy and physical presence, tasked with igniting belief inside the stadium.

For Inter Milan, this is not just a match. It is an examination under floodlights, ninety minutes to rewrite a script that currently favors Bodo/Glimt. 

Dumfries returns to charge down the flank. Calhanoglu watches from the stands. The margin is thin, the stakes immense, and the comeback dream still alive.

Source: Fcinter1908