Inter Milan begins their knockout phase campaign in the Champions League, facing Norwegian side FK Bodo/Glimt away. The first play-off match will take place under challenging weather conditions and with significant squad depletion for the Italian team. Coach Cristian Chivu will be without two key midfielders, posing a tough challenge for the Italian runners-up on the artificial turf in Bodø.

Serious squad depletion

The Inter squad will be missing Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi, forcing rotation in midfield.

Difficult conditions in Norway

The match will be played on an artificial surface in sub-zero temperatures, which favors the hosts' style of play.

Battle for the round of 16

This is the first match of a two-legged play-off, with a place in the elite group of the sixteen best teams in Europe at stake.

On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, Inter Milan will play their first knockout match in the Champions League against Norwegian FK Bodo/Glimt. The round of 32 fixture will be held at Aspmyra Stadion, where the hosts are known for leveraging their home advantage and specific climatic conditions. Coach Cristian Chivu's squad arrived in Norway with mixed feelings – on one hand buoyed by a 3-2 victory over Juventus in domestic competition, on the other burdened by numerous refereeing controversies and squad shortages. The biggest problem for the Italian team is absences in the midfield. Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi did not travel to Bodø. The Turkish playmaker is struggling with a right quadriceps injury, while the Italian international is feeling the effects of muscle fatigue. This situation forces the coaching staff to reshuffle the central area of the pitch. The challenge is even greater as the match will be played on an artificial surface in sub-zero temperatures, which traditionally favors the team from northern Norway. Inter Milan is a three-time European Cup winner, last lifting the trophy in 2010 under Jose Mourinho, completing a historic treble. Italian and Polish media emphasize that the new competition format requires teams that finished second in the league phase to participate in an additional play-off round instead of direct advancement to the round of 16. The return match at San Siro is scheduled for 24 February. By then, the Milanese must secure a favorable advantage to avoid a nervy finish in front of their home crowd. The match in Poland will be available on streaming platforms and digital channels. 2 — key Inter midfielders will miss the match „Inter must face not only the opponent but also the harsh climate of Norway on difficult terrain in Bodø.” — Sandro Piccinini

Mentioned People

  • Cristian Chivu — Inter Milan coach leading the team in European competitions.
  • Hakan Calhanoglu — Turkish midfielder for Inter, who will miss the match due to a muscle injury.
  • Davide Frattesi — Italian midfielder excluded from play due to physical fatigue.