The UEFA Champions League group stage springs into action on September 17, 2025, with a captivating encounter at the iconic Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam. Dutch giants Ajax play host to Italian powerhouse Inter Milan in a match steeped in history and emotional narratives. Beyond the tactical chess match expected, all eyes will be on Inter Milan’s head coach, Cristian Chivu, who returns to his former club, where he once proudly captained the Ajax side that lifted both the Eredivisie and Dutch Cup in the 2001/02 season. This reunion adds a compelling layer of sentiment to a fixture that promises high stakes as both teams embark on their European campaigns. What will be the defining moments as these two storied clubs clash on the grand stage?
Head-to-Head
Historically, matches between Ajax and Inter Milan have been tight affairs. In their five recorded encounters since 2006 across various competitions, Inter Milan holds a slight edge with two victories, while Ajax has secured one win, and three matches have ended in a draw. Notably, Ajax famously defeated Inter in the 1972 European Cup final, a result that still resonates in the annals of European football.
However, focusing on the modern UEFA Champions League era, Inter Milan boasts a stronger record against the Dutch side. In four Champions League meetings, Inter has emerged victorious three times, with one match ending in a draw, meaning Ajax is yet to beat Inter in the modern Champions League.
The last five direct meetings between these two clubs reflect a balanced competitive history, with a tendency towards closely contested games. While specific recent outcomes are historical, the overall trend suggests that neither side dominates the other outright, setting the stage for another finely balanced contest.
Current Form & Team News
Ajax
Ajax enters this Champions League fixture on the back of a mixed start to their 2025/26 Eredivisie campaign. After five matchdays, they sit in third place with eleven points, having secured three home wins against Telstar, Heracles Almelo, and PEC Zwolle, alongside away draws against Volendam and Go Ahead Eagles. Their last outing saw them claim a comfortable 3-1 victory over PEC Zwolle. Under coach Johnny Heitinga, Ajax has shown a strong attacking intent, scoring ten goals in their opening league fixtures, but concerns have been raised regarding their defensive solidity, having conceded four goals in the same period.
In their last ten matches across all competitions, Ajax recorded four wins, two losses, and four draws, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 1.4 goals conceded per game. Key players in form include Wout Weghorst, who leads the scoring charts with 5 goals, ably supported by Davy Klaassen and Mika Godts, each with 2 goals, and playmaker Steven Berghuis, contributing 3 assists. As of now, there are no specific injury or suspension concerns reported, and Ajax is expected to field a strong squad for this crucial European opener.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan’s start to the 2025/26 Serie A season has seen them experience an early test of their resolve. Their most recent domestic fixture saw them suffer a 4-3 defeat against Juventus in a high-scoring encounter. This followed a 2-1 loss to Udinese and a commanding 5-0 victory over Torino. Inter’s last ten games across all competitions reflect five victories, four defeats, and one draw, with an average of 1.9 goals scored and 1.1 goals conceded per match. The appointment of Cristian Chivu as head coach in June 2025 has brought a new dynamic to the Nerazzurri.
Inter’s attacking prowess remains a key feature, with Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram consistently amongst the goals, with Thuram having scored 3 goals and Calhanoglu 2 in Inter’s last 10 games. The squad is largely expected to be at full strength, with no major injury or suspension issues anticipated for this Champions League clash.
Tactical Preview
This match presents a fascinating tactical clash between two distinct footballing philosophies. Ajax, traditionally known for its possession-based, attacking football, is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. Their style emphasizes quick, short passes, positional rotation, and the creation of numerical superiorities in midfield. Full-backs are crucial in providing width, allowing wingers to drift inside and create goal-scoring opportunities. However, their recent defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited by a clinical Inter side.
Inter Milan, under Cristian Chivu, is likely to adhere to the well-established 3-5-2 formation that has been a hallmark of their recent success. This system prioritizes defensive compactness and quick transitions. The wing-backs play a vital role in providing both defensive cover and attacking impetus, exploiting wide areas. Their two mobile strikers, typically Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, are adept at dropping deep to link play or acting as poachers in the box. Inter’s defensive strength, highlighted by 20 clean sheets between 2022/23 and 2024/25, will be a key factor.
The midfield battle will be pivotal. Ajax’s technical midfielders will aim to dominate possession and control the tempo, while Inter’s robust midfield trio will look to disrupt their rhythm, win back the ball, and launch quick counter-attacks. Inter’s effectiveness from crosses, accounting for almost a third of their goals in last season’s Champions League, will be a significant attacking threat.
The match will be played at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Ajax’s home ground, with standard pitch dimensions. The weather in Amsterdam in September is typically mild, with average daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and a likelihood of rainfall, with approximately 75-81mm spread over 10-16 days. While potentially damp, these conditions are unlikely to significantly impact the technical quality of the game, and both professional teams are accustomed to such environments.
