In the summer of 2025, Inter Milan will participate in the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup in the United States. The team, led by Simone Inzaghi, has been placed in Group E alongside three other teams vying for qualification. We take a closer look at one of the challengers, River Plate, who were in the first pot at the time of the draw.
HOW RIVER PLATE PLAYS
River is one of the most illustrious and successful teams in the history of Argentine football and more broadly in South America. They currently sit fifth in the Argentine Superliga. The base formation of the Los Millonarios is a 4-3-1-2, which can switch to a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 depending on the situation.
They play with great intensity, utilizing significant running and pressing, typical of South American spirit. However, they also have key individuals who should not be underestimated if Inter Milan wants to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Another aspect to consider is their passionate and close-knit fan base, which is sure to turn out in droves in the States.
RIVER PLATE, TYPICAL LINEUP
The coach of River Plate is Marcelo Gallardo, a historic figure for the club both as a player and as a coach. His typical starting eleven, barring any changes by the summer, includes former Inter player Facundo Colidio as well as other familiar faces from Italian and European football.
River Plate 4-3-1-2: Armani; Bustos, Gonzalez, Pezzella, Acuna; Fernandez, Kranevitter, Simon; Mastantuono; Colidio, Borja. Coach: Gallardo.
MASTANTUONO, THE STAR OF RIVER PLATE
There are many talented players in the Argentine squad, some of whom, like Acuna, have even won the World Cup with Lautaro andMessi in 2022. One player who stands out, however, is the very young Franco Mastantuono, an attacking midfielder born in 2007. He is touted as one of the new jewels ready to make the jump to top European football and could use the Club World Cup as a showcase.
INTER-RIVER PLATE, PREVIOUS MATCHES IN THE COMPETITION
Inter Milan and River Plate have never faced each other in official matches. This will be the third time the Argentine team participates in a Club World Cup since it got its current name at the start of the millennium. They reached the final in 2015/16, losing to Barcelona, and then finished third in the 2018/19 edition.
