Feyenoord vs Inter Milan: Champions League 2025 Round of 16 Preview, Team News, Key Facts, Players to Watch, and Predictions

  

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is here, and one of the standout ties pits Dutch giants Feyenoord against Italian powerhouse Inter Milan on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The first leg at De Kuip promises a thrilling clash between two teams with rich European pedigrees. Feyenoord, fresh off a playoff win over AC Milan, faces a stern test against an Inter side that’s been a defensive rock in this season’s competition. Whether you’re a Rotterdam loyalist, a Nerazzurri die-hard, or just here for the football drama, this Feyenoord vs Inter Milan preview has you covered with team news, key stats, players to watch, kickoff details, and our bold predictions. Let’s break it down!

Match Preview: A Dutch-Italian Showdown Awaits

Feyenoord head into this Champions League clash riding a wave of confidence after knocking out AC Milan in the playoffs (2-1 on aggregate). Under new manager Robin van Persie, the 1970 European champions are unbeaten in six games across all competitions, though their latest outing—a 0-0 draw against NEC Nijmegen—hinted at attacking rust. De Kuip, with its raucous atmosphere, will be their fortress as they aim to topple another Milanese giant. Can they channel that playoff magic again?

Inter Milan, meanwhile, are in scintillating form. Finishing fourth in the Champions League league phase with a 6-1-1 record, Simone Inzaghi’s men conceded just one goal in eight matches—an astonishing defensive stat. Fresh off a 1-1 draw against Napoli in Serie A, the Nerazzurri are atop the Italian league and hungry to assert dominance in Europe after their 2023 final loss. This first leg is a chance to quiet the De Kuip crowd and take a step toward the quarter-finals. Expect a battle of Feyenoord’s attacking spirit versus Inter’s ironclad defence!

Team News: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

Feyenoord: The hosts are grappling with a crippling injury crisis—15 players could miss out! Key absentees include injured stars Justin Bijlow (goalkeeper), Gernot Trauner (defender), and Quinten Timber (midfielder), alongside the likes of Lotomba, Nieuwkoop, Nadje, Milambo, Gonzalez, Hwang, Zerrouki, and Stengs. Givairo Read is suspended, while Targhalline, Hartman, and Carillo aren’t registered. Santiago Gimenez will lead the line, with youngsters like Zepiqueno Redmond potentially stepping up. Van Persie’s squad depth will be tested big time.

Inter Milan: Simone Inzaghi has fewer headaches but some concerns. Benjamin Pavard and Denzel Dumfries are one booking away from a suspension, so caution is key. Stefan de Vrij is doubtful with a knock, but Yann Sommer should start in goal, backed by a defence featuring Alessandro Bastoni and either Acerbi or Bisseck. Midfield maestros Nicolò Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are fit, while Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram spearhead the attack. Inter’s bench strength could be decisive.

Photo by Mattia Ozbot - Inter /Inter via Getty Images

Key Facts: The Numbers That Define the Tie

Head-to-Head History: This is only their third meeting in Europe. Feyenoord won 3-2 on aggregate in the 2001/02 UEFA Cup semi-finals, but Inter are unbeaten in 11 against Dutch sides since that loss (W7, D4).

Defensive Mastery: Inter has conceded just one goal in eight Champions League games this season—the best record in the competition. Their clean-sheet rate under Inzaghi is 59.5% (22/37 matches).

Feyenoord’s Big Chance Edge: The hosts have converted 13 of 19 big chances in the Champions League (68% rate), the highest of any team this season.

Milestone Watch: Lautaro Martinez is tied with Sandro Mazzola (17 goals) as Inter’s all-time Champions League/European Cup top scorer—one more could see him take the crown.

Rare Feat: After beating AC Milan, Feyenoord could become the fourth team to defeat both Milan clubs in the same Champions League campaign (Tottenham 2010-11, Liverpool 2021-22, Bayer Leverkusen this season).

Players to Watch: The Game-Changers

Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord): With six goal involvements (2 goals, 4 assists) in 10 Champions League games this season, the Mexican striker is Feyenoord’s talisman. He’ll need to breach Inter’s wall.

Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan): The Argentine captain has five goals in eight UCL matches and could make history. His movement and finishing will test Feyenoord’s depleted defence.

Igor Paixao (Feyenoord): The Brazilian winger matches Gimenez with six-goalgett involvements (2 goals, 4 assists). His flair could unlock Inter’s backline.

Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan): The midfield engine’s energy and passing could dictate the tempo—watch him pull the strings.

Kickoff Details: When and Where to Watch

Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Time: 6:45 PM CET (5:45 PM GMT, 12:45 PM EST)

Venue: De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Broadcast: UK fans can catch it on TNT Sports or stream on Discovery+. In the USA, it’s on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network (Fubo also streams live). In India, tune into Sony Sports Network or Sony LIV. Check local listings for other regions!

Predictions: What’s Going to Happen?

This one’s a nail-biter! Feyenoord’s home advantage and attacking spark give them hope, but Inter’s defensive resilience and experience might just edge it. Here’s our breakdown:

Feyenoord’s Chance: De Kuip’s atmosphere and Gimenez’s form could see them nick a goal, but injuries might blunt their edge.

Inter’s Control: That stingy defense and Martinez’s hunger suggest they’ll keep it tight and strike on the counter.

Score Prediction: Feyenoord 1-1 Inter Milan. A draw feels right—Feyenoord score early, Inter equalize late, setting up a blockbuster second leg at San Siro. Both teams to score is a solid shout too.

Why You Can’t Miss This Match

Feyenoord vs Inter Milan is more than a Round of 16 tie—it’s a clash of footballing cultures. The Dutch side’s fearless spirit meets Italy’s tactical nous, with a trip to the quarter-finals on the line. Will Van Persie’s new era at Feyenoord spark an upset, or will Inzaghi’s Inter machine roll on? This is Champions League football at its finest—passion, skill, and stakes that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

Join the Conversation!

Love this Feyenoord vs Inter Milan preview? Share it with your crew, tweet your thoughts with the hashtags below, and let us know who you’re backing. Watch live, cheer loud, and let’s soak in this European classic together. Who’s your match-winner—Gimenez, Martinez, or a surprise hero? Tell us below!