Official Starting Lineups – Bodo/Glimt Vs Inter Milan: Matteo Darmian & Francesco Acerbi Start | OneFootball

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu has decided to start Matteo Darmian and Francesco Acerbi against Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the 2025/2026 Champions League knockout playoff tie.

The official lineups for tonight’s Champions League match, which kicks off at 21.00 CET in Bodo, have been published.

Despite winning their opening four Champions League games under Cristian Chivu, Inter Milan failed to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase.

Therefore, the Nerazzurri continue their continental journey in the playoff round against surprise package Bodo/Glimt.

Furthermore, Cristian Chivu lost star midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu to injury following Saturday’s derby win over Juventus.

Therefore, the 45-year-old had to change his starting lineup tonight.

Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt – Francesco Acerbi Returns To Starting XI

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale walk off with an injury during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Although he came under heavy scrutiny in the aftermath of the Derby d’Italia, Alessandro Bastoni has a guaranteed starting berth.

However, that doesn’t apply to Yann Bisseck, who surrenders his place to veteran star Francesco Acerbi.

Meanwhile, Manuel Akanji starts on the right side of Chivu’s traditional back three.

Indeed, the Italian veteran makes his third consecutive start in the Champions League. Acerbi started against Arsenal as well as against Borussia Dortmund.

Therefore, Stefan de Vrij starts from the bench again.

Inter Milan Vs Bodo/Glimt – Chivu Trusts Carlos Augusto

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 05: Carlos Augusto of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Kairat Almaty at Stadio San Siro on November 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The main talking point comes on the left flank, where Carlos Augusto gets the nod ahead of in-form Federico Dimarco.

Despite his scintillating form, the Italian wingback desperately needs some rest amid a brutal fixture schedule.

Meanwhile, Matteo Darmian starts on the right wing at the expense of Luis Henrique.

As such, the Brazilian star returns to the starting lineup for the first time since late January.

Elsewhere, Petar Sucic returns to the engine room alongside Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Therefore, the Italian superstar takes Calhanoglu’s role as a deep-lying playmaker.

Finally, Lautaro Martinez and Francesco Pio Esposito lead the line, with Marcus Thuram dropping to the bench.

Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt – Official Starting Lineups: Augusto & Darmian Start

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Matteo Darmian #36 of FC Internazionale Milano controls the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

BODØ/GLIMT (4-3-3): Haikin; Sjøvold, Gundersen, Bjørtuft, Bjørkan; Fet, Berg, Evjen; Blomberg, Høgh (C), Hauge. Bench: Lund, Sjong, Nielsen, Aleesami, Klynge, Auklend, Riisnæs, Saltnes, Mikkelsen, Bassi, Määttä, Helmersen. Coach: Knutsen. Suspended: none. Unavailable: Bro Hansen.

INTER (3-5-2): Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Sucic, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Esposito, Lautaro (C). Bench: Martinez, Di Gennaro, De Vrij, Bisseck, Luis Henrique, Dimarco, Bovo, Zielinski, Diouf, Bonny, Thuram. Coach: Chivu. Suspended: none. Unavailable: Dumfries, Frattesi, Calhanoglu.