The start of **Inter vs. River Plate**, the most crucial match in Group E of the Club World Cup, is fast approaching. The game kicks off at 3 AM Italian time at Lumen Field in Seattle. Coaches **Cristian Chivu and Marcelo Gallardo** still need to resolve **several lineup doubts** for a direct clash that could lead to the elimination of one club, or potentially see both qualify side-by-side. The interested bystander is, of course, Monterrey, who will face Japan`s Urawa Red Diamonds in the group`s other game.
From Pio Esposito to Thuram: The Nerazzurri Choices
**Still sidelined are Hakan Calhanoglu (with a new soleus issue),** Davide Frattesi, Benjamin Pavard, and Piotr Zielinski. Chivu recovers Denzel **Dumfries** (though he might start on the bench) but will still be without Marcus **Thuram**, who suffered a slight injury in the opening match against Monterrey and could be available for the potential round of 16. In attack, there`s a place for **Esposito**, but unlike the first two matches, it will be **Pio**, not **Sebastiano**, partnering Lautaro Martinez. Finally, both **Bastoni** and **Acerbi** return in front of Sommer.
Mastantuono and Colidio
It`s a midfield emergency for the *Millionarios*, as Gallardo must do without the **suspended Castano, Enzo Perez, and Galoppo** (all suspended after the Monterrey match). **Kranevitter** will get a chance, as will former player Facundo **Colidio**. With Driussi out for the entire World Cup (injured while scoring the temporary 2-0 goal in the first game), Colidio will start up front. Franco **Mastantuono**, however, is indispensable.
Probable Lineups
- Sommer; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, P. Esposito.
- Coach: Chivu
- Armani; Montiel, Pezzella, Martinez Quarta, Acuna; Fernandez, Kranevitter, Aliendro; Mastantuono, Colidio, Meza.
- Coach: Gallardo
Qualification Scenarios and the “Biscotto” Hypothesis
**Inter and River are tied on 4 points** at the top of the group standings, with Monterrey trailing on 2 points. The winner automatically qualifies for the round of 16 as group winners, while Monterrey needs only a victory to believe in advancing. However, there is a hypothesis, even publicly rejected by Cristian Chivu, that would allow both Inter and River Plate to advance together to the round of 16. By drawing with 2 or more goals each, Monterrey would be automatically eliminated regardless of the margin of their victory. **This kind of “biscotto” (collusion/arrangement) would give Inter and River a goal difference of at least +1 compared to the Mexicans in the tie-breaking criteria.**
