Inter Milan will hope to secure an advantage to take home when they face Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday.
Inter Milan’s pursuit of UEFA Champions League redemption takes them to one of Europe’s most unusual destinations on Wednesday night. North of the Arctic Circle, at the compact and often unforgiving Aspmyra Stadion, Bodo/Glimt host the first leg of this playoff tie, a meeting between continental experience and fearless debutants.
For Bodo/Glimt, this campaign has already defied expectations. Their maiden Champions League league-phase journey looked destined for an early exit after failing to win any of their first six matches. Yet in dramatic fashion, they revived their hopes with back-to-back victories over two European heavyweights.
A 3-1 triumph over Manchester City at home and a 2-1 win away to Atletico Madrid sealed qualification on a chaotic final matchday. That remarkable turnaround underlines the resilience instilled by head coach Kjetil Knutsen, who has overseen one of the most impressive footballing transformations in Scandinavian football.
Since taking charge in 2018, Knutsen has delivered four domestic titles and engineered notable European upsets against clubs such as Celtic, AS Roma, and FC Porto. Last season’s Europa League semi-final appearance further elevated their continental reputation.
However, this will be a step into new territory. Bodo/Glimt are Champions League knockout-stage newcomers, and history offers a sobering reminder: their only previous two-legged success against Italian opposition remains rare, with Inter having dominated their sole prior European encounter in 1978/79.
Unlike their domestic rivals, Bodo/Glimt enter this tie after a winter break, having concluded their Eliteserien campaign weeks ago. The rest may benefit them physically, though match sharpness remains a question. What is certain is that Aspmyra, with its tight pitch, biting conditions, and intense atmosphere, presents a unique challenge even for seasoned European sides.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, arrive as one of the competition’s modern heavyweights. Twice finalists in the past three seasons, they remain deeply accustomed to navigating two-legged ties. Excluding finals, the Nerazzurri have won 10 of their last 15 knockout matches in the Champions League, losing just once during that span.
Their league-phase performance, however, lacked consistency. After winning their opening four matches while conceding only once, Inter stumbled with three straight defeats before a closing 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund secured 10th place. That finish forced them into the playoff route rather than automatic qualification.
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter have regained domestic authority. Six consecutive Serie A victories have propelled them eight points clear at the summit. Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 win over Juventus, sealed by a late Piotr Zielinski strike, reinforced both their attacking depth and mental resilience. On the road, Inter have been particularly formidable, winning seven straight away matches across all competitions while conceding only once.
Yet this is not San Siro. Aspmyra’s artificial surface, narrow dimensions, and cold climate often disrupt rhythm and tempo. Bodo/Glimt thrive in those conditions, pressing aggressively and exploiting transitions with pace.
The tactical balance may hinge on control. Inter are likely to prioritise structure and patience, aware that the tie will ultimately be decided in Milan. Bodo/Glimt, buoyed by belief and home energy, may seek early momentum to unsettle the visitors. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the clubs could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News & Tactics
Bodo/Glimt
Bodo/Glimt head into this first leg clash with Inter Milan with minimal disruption to their preferred structure. Head coach Kjetil Knutsen has relied on consistency throughout the European campaign and named the same starting lineup in the impressive victories over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid. He is expected to maintain that continuity on Wednesday.
The only notable concern surrounds experienced midfielder Ulrik Saltnes, who is currently an injury doubt and will be assessed ahead of kickoff. There are no suspension issues affecting the squad. Defensive stability has been a key feature of Bodo/Glimt’s European progress.
Odin Bjortuft, Patrick Berg, and Fredrik Sjovold have each played every minute of this Champions League campaign, underlining their importance to the team’s structure. In attack, former AC Milan winger Jens Petter Hauge has been their standout performer, leading the team with four goals in the competition.
Notably, he was the only player during the league phase to create more than 20 chances while also completing at least 20 successful dribbles, a testament to both his creativity and directness. Kasper Hogh also enters the tie in strong form after scoring three goals across the final two group-stage matches.
Bodo/Glimt are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation against Inter Milan. Nikita Haikin will start in goal. The defensive line should feature Fredrik Sjovold at right-back, Jostein Gundersen and Odin Bjortuft as the central defensive pairing, and Fredrik Bjorkan operating at left-back.
In midfield, Hakon Evjen is likely to take up a right-sided central role, with Patrick Berg anchoring the midfield as the holding player. Sondre Brunstad Fet should complete the trio, offering energy and transitional support from the left-central position.
Up front, Ole Didrik Blomberg is expected to start on the right wing, Kasper Hogh will lead the line as the central striker, and Jens Petter Hauge will operate from the left flank, tasked with driving at defenders and creating opportunities in the final third.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Haikin; Sjovold, Gundersen, Bjortuft, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Fet; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge
Inter Milan
Inter Milan arrive in Norway with most of their core players available, though there are still a few fitness considerations. Denzel Dumfries is not yet fully match-ready and may miss out again as he continues his recovery. There are no suspension concerns for this Champions League fixture, but Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu, both recently returning from injury, are expected to start, particularly as they are suspended for Inter’s upcoming domestic fixture.
Their availability significantly strengthens the midfield balance. Lautaro Martinez, last season’s Serie A Capocannoniere, remains fully fit and continues to lead the line, bringing extensive European experience with 25 career goals in the competition.
Cristian Chivu must decide who partners Martinez in attack. Francesco Pio Esposito appears the likely choice, though Marcus Thuram and Ange-Yoan Bonny remain alternatives depending on tactical emphasis. Federico Dimarco, operating from the left flank, continues to be one of Inter’s most productive creative outlets, having already recorded 11 assists in Serie A this season and created 11 chances in the Champions League.
Inter are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation. Yann Sommer will start in goal. The defensive trio should consist of Yann Bisseck on the right side of central defence, Manuel Akanji operating centrally, and Alessandro Bastoni on the left.
In midfield, Luis Henrique is projected to operate as the right wing-back, with Federico Dimarco occupying the left wing-back role. The central midfield trio should feature Nicolo Barella on the right side, Hakan Calhanoglu as the deep-lying playmaker, and Piotr Zielinski operating slightly higher with license to support the attack.
Up front, Lautaro Martinez will lead the line, partnered by Francesco Pio Esposito, who is expected to provide movement and support around the captain in this crucial first leg encounter.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Martinez, Esposito
Key Stats
- Bodo/Glimt won their final two league-phase matches against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid after failing to win any of their first six games in the competition.
- The Norwegian champions are unbeaten in their last five European home fixtures, with Aspmyra Stadion proving a difficult venue for visiting sides.
- Inter Milan have won 10 and lost just one of their last 15 Champions League knockout matches, excluding finals.
- The Nerazzurri are on a seven-match away winning streak across all competitions, conceding only one goal during that run.
- Lautaro Martinez has scored 25 career goals in the Champions League, making him one of the competition’s most consistent forwards over the past decade.
Player to Watch
Lautaro Martinez
When the stakes rise in Europe, Inter Milan often look to Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine forward has developed into one of the Champions League’s most reliable scorers, combining relentless movement with ruthless finishing inside the penalty area.
With 25 career goals in the competition, Martinez brings both pedigree and composure to knockout ties. His ability to drift into space between centre-backs, press aggressively from the front, and convert limited opportunities makes him particularly dangerous in tight first-leg encounters.
Against a Bodo/Glimt side that thrive on intensity and high pressing at Aspmyra Stadion, Martinez’s experience and positional intelligence could prove decisive. Whether attacking crosses from Federico Dimarco or capitalising on transitions, Inter’s captain remains the player most capable of tilting this tie in their favour.
Prediction
Bodo/Glimt 1-2 Inter Milan
Bodo/Glimt’s home advantage and recent history of unsettling bigger clubs at Aspmyra Stadion ensure this will not be straightforward for Inter. The Norwegian side play with intensity, belief, and tactical discipline, particularly on their artificial surface, and they have already proven capable of upsetting European heavyweights.
However, Inter Milan’s experience in two-legged ties and their outstanding away form give them a clear edge. With Lautaro Martinez leading the line and a midfield anchored by Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolo Barella, the Nerazzurri possess the composure required to manage hostile environments.
Expect a competitive first leg, with Bodo pushing early before Inter’s quality and efficiency make the difference. The Hard Tackle predicts a hard-fought 2-1 win for Cristian Chivu and his charges.
