The UEFA Champions League is back with a bang, and one of the most intriguing opening fixtures in the 2025/26 league phase pits Ajax against Inter Milan on September 17, 2025, at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam. It’s a clash that evokes memories of the 1972 European Cup final, where Johan Cruyff’s Ajax triumphed 2-0 over the Nerazzurri. Nearly 53 years later, these two storied clubs renew hostilities in a match that promises tactical intrigue, youthful flair versus seasoned experience, and plenty of goals. With Ajax unbeaten in the Eredivisie and Inter desperate to rebound from Serie A stumbles, this could be a defining early test. Let’s dive into the head-to-head stats, predicted lineups, score forecast, and key insights.
Match Preview: What to Expect from Ajax vs Inter Milan
Ajax, under new manager John Heitinga, have started the 2025/26 Eredivisie season strongly with three wins and two draws, including a recent 3-1 victory over PEC Zwolle where Mika Godts scored twice. The Dutch giants are unbeaten at home across all competitions but enter the Champions League with a mixed European record— they’ve lost three of their last four home games in the competition, including a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Napoli in 2022. Heitinga, a former Ajax defender with 12 Champions League appearances for the club, will look to channel the “Total Football” spirit against a battle-hardened Inter side.
Inter Milan, managed by Cristian Chivu, are the defending finalists after a club-record 10 wins in last season’s tournament but endured a 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain in the final. Domestically, they’ve hit a rough patch, winning their opener 5-0 against Torino but suffering back-to-back defeats: 2-1 to Udinese and a dramatic 4-3 loss at Juventus, where they blew a 3-2 lead late on. Despite conceding six goals in those last two games, Inter boast the best defensive record in last season’s Champions League group/league phase (eight clean sheets in nine games) and remain unbeaten in 12 UCL matches against Dutch sides. Chivu, who played for both clubs, will demand a response in Europe.
Kickoff is at 19:00 UTC (21:00 CEST), and with Ajax’s attacking verve meeting Inter’s counter-threat, expect an open game. Betting odds favor Inter at around 1.90 to win, with Ajax at 3.95 and a draw at 3.71.
Head-to-Head
Ajax and Inter have met six times in European competition, with the scales tipping toward the Italians in recent years. Inter hold a 3-1-1 record (W3 D1 L1), including advancing 3-2 on aggregate in the 2005/06 Champions League round of 16 (2-2 in Amsterdam, 1-0 in Milan). Their only defeat came in that iconic 1972 final in Rotterdam, where Cruyff’s brace sealed Ajax’s second straight European Cup.
Here’s a quick breakdown of their head-to-head record:
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 31, 1972 | European Cup Final | Ajax 2-0 Inter | (Aggregate) |
| Nov 12, 2002 | Champions League Group | Ajax 1-0 Inter | – |
| Mar 7, 2006 | Champions League R16 (2nd Leg) | Inter 1-0 Ajax | (3-2 agg) |
| Mar 1, 2006 | Champions League R16 (1st Leg) | Ajax 2-2 Inter | – |
Overall stats: Inter have scored six goals to Ajax’s five, with draws in one of the last three meetings. Notably, shared legends like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Christian Eriksen, and Wesley Sneijder have donned both shirts, adding emotional layers. Inter are unbeaten in their last six games against Ajax across all competitions.
Potential Lineups
Both teams head into the match with relatively clean injury bills, allowing managers to field near-full-strength sides. Ajax have no major absences, while Inter also report a fully fit squad after a summer of recoveries.
Ajax Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Heitinga favors a fluid attacking setup, with Wout Weghorst leading the line after five goals in five Eredivisie games.
- GK: Vitezslav Jaros
- DEF: Elias Gaaei, Ko Itakura, Jorrel Hato, Owen Wijndal
- MID: Davy Klaassen, Kenneth Taylor, Julian Rijkhoff
- FWD: Steven Berghuis, Mika Godts, Wout Weghorst
Key changes: Josip Sutalo could replace Itakura if Heitinga opts for more aerial solidity against Inter’s forwards. Taylor, Ajax’s top scorer last season (15 goals), will dictate midfield tempo.
Inter Milan Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)
Chivu sticks to his preferred back-three, with wing-backs providing width. Expect a focus on quick transitions after recent defensive lapses.
- GK: Yann Sommer
- DEF: Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, Manuel Akanji
- MID: Federico Dimarco, Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Luka Sučić, Denzel Dumfries
- FWD: Lautaro Martínez, Marcus Thuram
Key notes: Henrikh Mkhitaryan might rotate in for Sučić, but Çalhanoğlu’s set-piece threat (one goal vs. Juventus) is crucial. Martínez (one goal, one assist in Serie A) and Thuram (recent equalizer vs. Juventus) form a lethal duo.
Score Prediction
This matchup screams goals: Ajax have seen both teams score in three of their last four games, while Inter’s last three outings averaged five goals each. The Nerazzurri’s UCL pedigree (unbeaten vs. Dutch teams) and firepower up top should see them through, but Ajax’s home form and pace on the break could yield a consolation.
Prediction: Ajax 1-2 Inter Milan
