Inter Milan Must Heed Warning Signs After Bodø/Glimt Defeat

Inter’s 3-1 defeat away to Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of their Champions League play-off may not come as a complete shock given the Norwegian side’s impressive European campaign — but the performance should raise serious concerns for Cristian Chivu and his players.

The Nerazzurri now face a decisive return leg at San Siro next Tuesday, where they must overturn a two-goal deficit to keep their European ambitions alive. The setback comes only days after an important domestic victory over Juventus in Milan, making the regression in Norway all the more alarming.

No Longer a Surprise Package

Bodø/Glimt have already demonstrated their credentials this season, having beaten Manchester City at home and followed that up with an away triumph over Atlético Madrid during the league phase. Their latest victory underlines that they are no longer underdogs on the continental stage.

Playing on their artificial surface and in typically frigid Norwegian conditions, the hosts executed their game plan to perfection. However, Inter’s shortcomings were equally significant. Even accounting for heavy squad rotation, far more was expected from a side that reached the 2025 Champions League final.

Match Summary

Sondre Fet handed the home side the advantage in the first half before Francesco Pio Esposito levelled matters prior to the interval. The young Italian striker continued his fine form, scoring his second goal in a matter of days following his decisive contribution against Juventus.

Yet Inter’s second-half display proved deeply disappointing. Former AC Milan forward Jens Petter Hauge restored Bodø/Glimt’s lead before Kasper Høgh added a third, sealing a deserved 3-1 victory for the hosts.

Inter struggled to match the intensity and tempo set by the Norwegian champions, particularly after the break. The atmosphere and momentum generated by the home support clearly unsettled Chivu’s side, who appeared unable to regain control of the contest.

Injury Blow for Lautaro

Perhaps the most concerning development was the sight of captain Lautaro Martínez leaving the pitch with a suspected muscular injury. The forward will undergo assessment upon the squad’s return to Italy, with Inter scheduled to face Lecce away on Saturday before the crucial second leg.

Domestic Implications

There was at least some respite on the domestic front. AC Milan’s 1-1 draw with Como at San Siro leaves Massimiliano Allegri’s side seven points adrift of the Serie A leaders, with the Derby della Madonnina looming in two weeks — a fixture that could prove pivotal in the 2025/26 Scudetto race.

Nevertheless, European progression now takes priority.

What Inter Must Do

Inter require a minimum two-goal victory at San Siro to force extra time. A win by three or more goals would secure qualification outright. Any one-goal win, draw or defeat would see them eliminated.

Bodø/Glimt may not represent the most illustrious opponent Inter have encountered this season, but they have proven highly effective. If the Nerazzurri are to progress — and potentially set up a showdown with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the next round — a marked improvement in attitude, intensity and execution will be essential.

For Chivu and his squad, the margin for error has vanished.