Internazionale Milano's two Intercontinental Cup triumphs both came against Argentine opposition, beating Independiente in a replay in 1964, defeating the some opposition again 12 months later.
River Plate's sole victory over a European club also came at the Intercontinental Cup, beating Steaua București in 1984, subsequently losing to Juventus in 1996, before being beaten by Barcelona in the Club World Cup Final in Yokohama a decade ago.
Inter Milan vs River Plate preview
It is all to play for in the Pacific Northwest because, by the end of the night, one or perhaps both of these two teams could be through to the Club World Cup knockout phase. Internazionale Milano drew their tournament opener against Monterrey at the Rose Bowl, thanks to Lautaro Martínez's equaliser on the cusp of half time. However, on Saturday, Cristian Chivu's team were then staring down the barrel of an historically embarrassing defeat, 1-0 down against underdogs Urawa Red Diamonds.
That is how the score remained until 12 minutes from time when Martínez lashed home a spectacular overhead kick equaliser before, in injury time, Valentín Carboni slotted home a dramatic winner. This was the Argentine defender's first Inter appearance since March 2023, so what a way to mark your return. So now, only a win will guarantee Il Biscione's place in the round of 16, but we'll come to that.
Similarly, River Plate also have four points on the board. First, goals from Facundo Colidio, Sebastián Driussi and then Maximiliano Meza saw la Banda beat Urawa Reds 3-1 to commence their campaign. Then, at the weekend, Marcelo Gallardo's side were frustratingly held to a goalless draw by Monterrey in Pasadena, despite having 18 shots to Rayados' three, unable to find the breakthrough.
So, assuming Monterrey beat Urawa Reds in LA simultaneously, a nervy night is in store in Seattle. If Rayados do win, the winners he would join them in the round of 16 and the losers will be out. However, if this is a draw, then some abacuses would be required, because the top three would all be on five points. Due to head-to-head goals scored, if this is a high-scoring draw, 2-2 or more, then both Inter and River would be guaranteed to advance, so could there be some skulduggery at Lumen Field?
Inter Milan vs River Plate head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Inter Milan team news
Cristian Chivu has stuck with a Simone Inzaghi-esque 3-5-2 system since taking over hastily ahead of this tournament, trying to change as little as possible. Marcus Thuram is still struggling with an injury, so Sebastiano Esposito could continue in attack from the start.
Elsewhere, Luis Henrique started for the first time since arriving from Marseille, while fellow new signing Petar Sučić has come off the bench during both games. Yann Bisseck, Piotr Zieliński and Hakan Çalhanoğlu all remain sidelined.
Inter Milan predicted lineup vs River Plate: (4-3-3): Sommer; Darmian, Bastoni, Acerbi; Henrique, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Barella, Dimarco; Martínez, Esposito.
Inter Milan player to watch vs River Plate
Captain Lautaro Martínez has scored during both Club World Cup matches to date, taking his tally to 24 for the campaign, so can he fire Inter into the knockout stages?
River Plate team news
Kevin Castaño's red card in stoppage time on Saturday means he is suspended, as are both Enzo Pérez and Giuliano Galoppo due to yellow card accumulation, severely weakening Marcelo Gallardo's midfield options.
So, with all three midfielders who started against Monterrey banned, Matías Kranevitter, Ignacio Fernández and Pity Martínez could form a brand-new trio.
River Plate predicted lineup vs Inter Milan: (4-3-3): Armani; Montiel, Martínez Quarta, Pezzella, Acuña; Kranevitter, Fernández, Martínez; Mastantuono, Colidio, Meza.
River Plate player to watch vs Inter Milan
17 year old Franco Mastantuono will join Real Madrid straight after this tournament, meaning this could be his last game for River Plate, but could he be the star of the show in Seattle?
We cannot get away from the fact that a 2-2 draw would send both teams through, irrespective of what Monterrey do, so a classic Italian biscotto could be on the cards: Inter Milan 2-2 River Plate.
Inter Milan vs River Plate FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Inter Milan vs River Plate FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Inter Milan vs River Plate FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Inter Milan vs River Plate FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Inter Milan vs River Plate FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Inter Milan vs River Plate in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Inter Milan vs River Plate takes place on Wednesday 25 June 2025, with kick off at 2:00am (BST), 21:00 (EDT) & 18:00 (PDT).