Inter first and Juventus later were eliminated from this edition of the Club World Cup. Much bitterness for the two teams that return to Italy with many doubts and few certainties.
How did it go for the Bianconeri?
Last night, Tuesday 1st July, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Juventus was eliminated from the Club World Cup with a score of 0-1 against Real Madrid. The match was decided by a header from Gonzalo García, a young Madrid youth player: a goal in the 54th minute on a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, decisive for the passage to the quarter-finals.
The match was balanced in the first half, with Juve more incisive and Di Gregorio the protagonist with saves on Bellingham and Valverde. However, in the second half Real pressed their foot on the accelerator, transforming the pressure into goals and suffocating the Bianconeri’s ambitions.
Key men and moments
- Gonzalo García: author of the decisive goal, he is the great revelation of the tournament, with three goals in four games.
- Michele Di Gregorio: among the best of his team, he shows off a courageous performance, saving Juve on many occasions.
- Kylian Mbappé: he does not directly influence the match but the attention is all on him as soon as he enters the field. and he makes his debut in the tournament last night in the 68th minute, amid the enthusiasm and roar of 62,149 fans.
Reactions and tactical considerations
Coach Igor Tudor admits the athleticism of his team, considerably tired by the climatic conditions of Miami (about 31°C). Juve leaves to applause, but with many shadows: the management of energy and physical endurance prove insufficient. Despite the pride shown, it is not enough to overcome a Real Madrid that is fresher and more cynical and above all with much more quality and solutions from the bench during the match.
Inter KO shock: 0-2 defeat by Fluminense
On Monday 30 June, in Charlotte, Inter is eliminated in the round of 16 by Fluminense with a clear 0-2. The match starts badly: in the 3rd minute, German Cano breaks the deadlock with a deflected cross, fooling Sommer. The doubling comes in the 93rd minute with Hércules, who takes advantage of a defensive error and crosses to the far post with a low left-footed shot.
The “old” rearguard still holds its own
The star in goal is the experienced Fábio (44 years old), who saves everything in the second half, keeping the Brazilian goal intact. In addition, the defender Thiago Silva, 40 years old and former AC Milan player so even more eager to make an impact, leads the Fluminense rearguard with experience.
Captain Lautaro Martínez’s hot take
At the end of the match, Lautaro Martínez, the Nerazzurri captain, said he was very disappointed. He made some very strong statements, saying he was not at all happy with the attitude of some of his teammates during the campaign, or even in recent months. His words: “we need players with a winning mentality. Those who don’t have it can leave”. A harsh message, which highlights how the elimination is the symbol of the Nerazzurri’s bad season, who close the world trophy without even one title won.
The road to elimination
Inter had overcome Group E starting off quite well: a 1-1 draw with Monterrey, victories over Urawa Reds (2-1) and River Plate (2-0), reaching the round of 32 as the group’s top team. However, once back to a high tempo, the team suffered from the physical and technical conditions of the Brazilians: flexible, focused and determined from start to finish.
Tactical-psychological analysis
Juventus
Juve showed initial pride and intensity, but faced a more effective Real Madrid physically and technically. The goal from a set piece reiterated how the Spanish team knows how to capitalize even on dirty situations. Juve held out only until the break, then they failed in their athletic condition.
Inter
With the arrival of Cristian Chivu on the bench after Inzaghi’s farewell, fresh forces and hopes were high. But the post-Champions League final period (5-0 defeat to PSG) and the transition did not help. On the pitch, Fluminense imposed rhythm and conviction, leaving Inter at the mercy of the opponent’s performance. Experience and pressing made the difference.
The protagonists of the two matches
Real Madrid vs Juventus
- Gonzalo García: 21 years old, three goals, one of the best scorers of the tournament.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold: assist for the decisive goal.
- Jude Bellingham, Valverde: the constants.
- Michele Di Gregorio: silent hero, decisive tackles, too many shots blocked.
Inter vs Fluminense
- German Cano: fast and lethal at the start of the match.
- Hércules: cynical in the final, doubles on a Nerazzurri distraction.
- Thiago Silva and Fábio: defensive pillar and security, men of experience.
- Lautaro Martínez: unlucky in finishing, stimulus for a future project.
- Cristian Chivu: emerging coach, difficult debuts.
The cold consequences
For Juventus
The elimination fuels doubts about physical form and athletic management: a team that appears “cooked” after 45-60 minutes struggles to cope with the physical comparison. Improvements are needed in recovery and mental management.
For Inter
A real flop, yet another in a season that began with the Champions League crisis and ended without titles. Martinez makes it clear that it will be time for decisions, changes and new stimuli. The Club World Cup adventure is already over, now they are thinking about the start of the championship against Torino FC.
Future prospects: both need a jolt
Juventus
Igor Tudor will have to work on summer preparation: improving his condition and managing workloads will be essential, as will strengthening his defense, midfield and attack during the transfer market to return to greatness in Italy and compete on multiple fronts.
Inter
On the Nerazzurri side, the watchword is revolution. Chivu’s signing could bring fresh ideas, but specific reinforcements are needed (in midfield and attack) and a top club mentality. Serie A and Coppa do not tolerate missteps.
Taking stock
The Italians say a bitter goodbye to the Club World Cup USA 2025: Juve and Inter eliminated in the round of 16, by Real Madrid and Fluminense. Two defeats that make us reflect on the global difficulties of athleticism, mentality and management. Upon returning to Italy, wise choices will be needed: to recover ground and start dreaming again in the Champions League and beyond.