Inter Milan Captain Hypes Up FIFA Club World Cup Group Stage Closer Vs River Plate: ‘It Will Be A Top-Level Match’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez is expecting this week’s clash with River Plate to be a “top-level match.”

The Nerazzurri captain spoke to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, via FCInterNews, after yesterday’s Club World Cup win over Urawa Red Diamonds.

Inter Milan have now played two group stage matches at the Club World Cup. And they’ve taken four points from them.

The Nerazzurri drew 1-1 with Mexican team Monterrey in their opener at the tournament.

Then yesterday, Inter came from behind to beat Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds in a dramatic late victory.

That means that Inter’s fate is very much in their hands as far as qualifying for the knockout rounds at the Club World Cup.

However, at the same time, the Nerazzurri will know full well that they need a result against River Plate to ensure that they reach the round of sixteen. And maybe even a win.

Inter Captain Lautaro Martinez: “River Plate Will Be A Top-Level Match”

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano warms up prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez said yesterday’s win against Urawa Reds “could be” a turning point for the Nerazzurri at the Club World Cup.

“Against Monterrey we had a lot of possession,” noted the 27-year-old. “However, we were unable to break down their defense.”

“Then they also did well. And sometimes, quality and possession aren’t enough.”

“You definitely also need the desire to prove yourself, to go and get the win. To look for the goal until the last minute.

But against Urawa Reds, Martinez argued that “we did very well in the second half.”

Then, Martinez noted that “today the pitch was better than the last match.”

“The ball moved better than last time. The kickoff time also helps.”

“When the pitch is like this, the ball moves quickly,” Martinez noted. “You can play the way you want.”

“Now we’re going to face that have a clear idea how they want to play. And a coach who’s won a lot.”

The Inter captain noted that River Plate “have played together for years.”

Lautaro Martinez added that “I know them because they’re Argentinians.”

“I have a lot of former teammates there from the national team,” the Inter captain then observed.

“It will be an important match,” Martinez said. “And it will be top-level. So we have to prepare well.”

The Argentine stressed that Inter “have to recover energy and prepare at our best for this last match.”