Inter Milan draw Bodø/Glimt in Champions League Playoffs: a dangerous northern trap

Synthetic pitch, icy winds and fearless football: the Norwegian side are no pushovers

Inter Milan will face Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League playoff, a draw that looks manageable on paper but hides a minefield beneath the snow. 

The Norwegian side have already beaten Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, and they pushed Juventus to the limit, proving they are anything but a fairytale outsider.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908 underlines, the setting itself is a weapon. The Aspmyra Stadion, located just 300 metres from the airport, features a synthetic pitch that not every pair of boots handles gracefully. 

Add the biting Arctic winds, and the stadium becomes an ally for the hosts and a test of balance, rhythm and nerve for visitors.

Vertical football and relentless pressure

Head coach Kjetil Knutsen, in charge since 2018, has built a clear identity. Bodø/Glimt line up in a very aggressive 4-3-3, playing vertical, fast-paced football. 

They attack from the flanks, then cut inside with sharp triangles and sudden penetrations through the middle.

The attack is the team’s strength.

• Kasper Høgh leads the line as a physical and mobile striker.
• On the left, Jens Petter Hauge, former Milan winger, brings pace and unpredictability.
• In midfield, Patrick Berg, the team’s playmaker and Norway international, dictates tempo and direction.

The defence is not impenetrable, but there are no discounts on intensity or commitment. These are tough, disciplined players who thrive on chaos and confidence.

Proven at home and growing away

At Aspmyra, Bodø/Glimt have built a reputation as giant-killers. They held Tottenham to a 2-2 draw and delivered a stunning 3-1 defeat to a confident Manchester City. Upsets are not accidents here; they are part of the club’s DNA.

There are vulnerabilities. Monaco won 1-0, and Spalletti’s Juventus overturned a 2-1 deficit to win 3-2. But the “Yellow Horde” have also learned how to travel.

• Draws in Prague and Dortmund
• A win in Madrid against Atlético
• Qualification secured on the final matchday

And history matters. In the last Europa League, Bodø/Glimt eliminated Lazio in the quarter-finals, confirming their ability to hurt Italian teams.

No fear, no reverence for Inter Milan

Inter Milan may have more pedigree, depth and experience, but Bodø/Glimt bring something else: environment, courage and a collective belief forged in the cold. This playoff is not a formality. It is a test of adaptability, mentality and respect.