Ajax vs Inter: Predictions Preview, Lineups, H2h for September 18, 2025

On Wednesday, Ajax will face Inter Milan in the opening match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. A bet on goals in this match seems promising.

Match preview

Ajax returns to the Champions League after a three-year break, qualifying directly by finishing second in the Eredivisie. Their best showing this century was reaching the semi-finals in the 2018/19 season, but their recent performances have been less successful, with five losses in their last seven matches and struggles against Italian teams. Under John Heitinga, Ajax balances defensive weaknesses with an attacking style, often resulting in high-scoring games.

Playing at home remains a strong point for Ajax: in their last 14 Champions League matches in Amsterdam, they conceded more than once only three times. However, due to injury concerns and disappointing European results, they enter this match with cautious optimism. Their main goal will be to contain Inter’s attack and capitalize on counterattacks with Wout Weghorst and their skilled midfielders.

Inter begin their Champions League campaign as last season’s finalists, but their 0-5 loss to PSG was a tough setback. They are in the main round for the eighth year in a row and have an impressive unbeaten record against Dutch teams, with 13 matches without defeat. Despite their reputation, Inter has not won in regulation time in their last four Champions League games, conceding 13 goals during this stretch.

Inter’s away form is solid, remaining unbeaten in 9 of their last 11 Champions League away matches. However, their scoring away from home has been less remarkable, with only four games during that period where they scored more than once. Under Simone Inzaghi, they continue to rely on a strong defense, led by Yann Sommer in goal and a tight midfield overseen by Çalhanoğlu and Barella.

Probable line-ups

• Ajax: Jaros, Geertruida, Itakura, Baas, Wijndal, Moro, Fitz-Jim, Berghuis, Taylor, Glukh, Weghorst
• Inter: Sommer, Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Sučić, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Dimarco, Lautaro Martínez, Thuram

Match facts and head-to-head

• Ajax have not beaten Italian teams in their last 7 matches (2 draws, 5 losses).
• Inter have not lost in regulation time in 9 of their last 11 Champions League away games.
• 5 of Ajax’s last 6 home matches in the UCL have seen at least three goals scored.

Prediction

Both teams enter the match with different expectations: Ajax will rely on home support and a defensive approach, while Inter will aim to control the game with their experience. Inter typically does not engage in high-scoring away games, and Ajax defends well at home. A recommended bet for this match is “Total under 3.0” at odds of 1.67.