Sports · Football · 13 hrs ago
Inter face Shakhtar needing a Champions League win after two defeats
Inter host Shakhtar Donetsk at San Siro in the Champions League, with coach Cristian Chivu’s team under pressure to respond.
Inter have lost their first two matches, against Real Madrid and Club Brugge, and need a win to improve their chances of qualifying.
The club has also conceded six goals in those games, adding to concerns about its defending.
Chivu is considering changes to the back line, including using Alessandro Bastoni in the middle of a new defensive trio, but the reports describe this as a possible plan, not a confirmed lineup.
Goalkeeper Josep Martinez is expected to start again.
Bastoni said the team must take responsibility for its mistakes and keep expectations realistic, calling the Champions League a dream rather than a target.
A win would help Inter compete for a top-eight place, while Shakhtar arrive after beating AEK.
Inter need a win against Shakhtar Donetsk to revive their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League’s top eight after losing their first two matches.
The teams are due to meet at San Siro at 21:00 on 21 October.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu is considering defensive changes, including using Alessandro Bastoni in the centre of a new back three.
Bastoni said Inter’s European struggles had been caused mainly by mental issues and individual errors.
Il Fatto Quotidiano argued that Chivu’s aggressive style also leaves the team exposed.
- Who
- Inter and Shakhtar Donetsk.
- What
- They are due to play a Champions League match. Inter need a win after losing their first two matches.
- When
- 21 October 2026, at 21:00.
- Where
- San Siro in Milan.
- Why
- A win would help Inter revive their hopes of qualifying for a place among the competition’s top eight.
Alessandro Bastoni
Il Fatto Quotidiano’s commentary
Cause of Inter’s defensive problems
Alessandro Bastoni
Bastoni said the team had conceded goals mainly through individual errors and that its European problems were primarily mental.
Il Fatto Quotidiano’s commentary
The article argued that Chivu’s aggressive style also exposes Inter to difficult situations.
What Inter should do
Alessandro Bastoni
Bastoni called for the team to take responsibility, stay focused and defend compactly.
Il Fatto Quotidiano’s commentary
The article said Chivu should consider adapting his approach to the players’ abilities.
Inter lost to Real Madrid and Bruges.
Bastoni spoke ahead of Inter’s match against Shakhtar and urged the team to keep its expectations grounded.
Inter are due to face Shakhtar at San Siro.
- Inter’s Champions League record
- Two defeats in their first two matches
- Inter’s opponents
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- Match venue
- San Siro
- Kick-off
- 21:00 on 21 October 2026
- Inter goals conceded in first two Champions League matches
- Six
- Inter goals conceded this season
- 15 in nine matches
3 sources
What people are saying
We are aware that this year we have lost two matches; we want to find again that feeling and energy, in line with our ambition.
Maybe it is time for us all to get back down to earth. Nobody ever thought that winning the Champions League was more than a dream.
We must look at reality; the latest results and matches must keep our feet on the ground. The Champions League has always been a dream, but not an objective.
The 90% of the goals we have conceded come from our own mistakes; we have talked about it and it is something to correct.