Inter vs Slavia Prague Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 30/9/2025

Inter Milan enter this Champions League campaign with both ambition and the scars of recent disappointments. The Nerazzurri reached the final in 2023 and again in 2025 but fell short on both occasions, most recently suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Their domestic season ended in frustration as well, finishing just one point behind Napoli in Serie A. Those setbacks brought an end to Simone Inzaghi’s tenure, with former Inter defender Christian Chivu stepping in to lead the team.

Chivu’s tenure has started brightly in Europe, with Inter claiming a solid 2-0 victory away at Ajax in their group-stage opener. Their domestic form, however, has been less convincing. A shock 2-1 home defeat to Udinese before the international break was followed by a dramatic 4-3 loss at Juventus. They bounced back with a 2-1 win over newly promoted Sassuolo and were preparing for a trip to Cagliari last weekend as they look to find greater consistency in Serie A.

Slavia Prague’s Challenge

Slavia Prague return to the Champions League looking to improve on their underwhelming showing in the Europa League last season, where they failed to advance beyond the group stage. This time, the Czech champions face a much tougher task against Europe’s elite. Their opening match reflected both promise and vulnerability: after going 2-0 up at home against Bodø/Glimt, they surrendered their lead and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Domestically, Slavia remain strong contenders. They lifted the Czech First League title last season and are pushing to defend it, currently sitting second in the table with six wins and three draws from their first nine matches. After being held 1-1 at Liberec, they were looking to reset with a clash against Dukla Prague last weekend.

Team News and Key Players

Inter have avoided major injury problems so far this season. The only doubt is reserve forward Bonny, who may not be fit enough to feature. Star striker Lautaro Martínez, who was struggling with a back issue during the opening European fixture, is expected to return to the starting XI. He will likely partner Marcus Thuram in attack, with the Frenchman in excellent form after scoring both goals in the win at Ajax.

Wing-backs Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco remain crucial to Chivu’s system, both contributing goals and assists in Serie A already. In midfield, Nicolo Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu provide balance, with the latter having found the net twice in league play. New signing Manuel Akanji, recruited from Manchester City over the summer, has quickly become a defensive mainstay.

Slavia Prague, in contrast, have been hit by injuries in their back line. Defenders Ogbu, Holes, and captain Boril, along with summer signing Javorcek, are all sidelined. Midfielder Sevcik is also unavailable, while Zmrzly was not registered for European competition. That leaves coach Jindrich Trpisovsky with limited options in defense.

Despite these setbacks, certain players have stepped up. Defender Mbodji scored twice against Bodø/Glimt, both goals assisted by midfielder Lukáš Provod, who has been a standout performer this season with two goals and four assists in domestic competition. In attack, Slavia will look to Kusej, who has contributed three goals and four assists, alongside Chory, who scored in league play.

Match Outlook

Inter’s strong home form in European competition makes them heavy favorites. They have won six of their last eight matches at San Siro and are unbeaten in seven games against Czech opposition, winning three of the last four. Slavia, on the other hand, have long struggled on the road in the Champions League, managing just three victories in their last 19 away fixtures.

With Lautaro and Thuram leading the line and Inter’s midfield providing control, Chivu’s side appear well placed to secure back-to-back European wins. Slavia’s spirit and attacking threat should not be underestimated, but their defensive injuries could leave them too exposed against high-level opposition.

Prediction

Inter’s superior squad depth and home advantage should prove decisive in this encounter. Expect Slavia to show flashes of resistance, but the Italian side have the tools to dominate.

Prediction: Inter Milan 3 – 1 Slavia Prague