Inter faces Real Madrid in Champions League opener without Federico Dimarco

Inter travels to the Bernabéu tonight for the opening round of the 2026-27 Champions League, facing a Real Madrid side coached by José Mourinho. The Nerazzurri enter the fixture following a 3-2 victory over Napoli, where Cristian Chivu navigated a two-goal deficit to secure the result. Defender Federico Dimarco is ruled out for Inter due to a knee injury, a loss described as significant by former defender Marco Materazzi. While Inter prepares for the European clash, Materazzi questioned tactical decisions made by Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri during their recent domestic meeting, specifically the substitution of Rasmus Hojlund. Mourinho, who previously led Inter to a Champions League title, currently manages Real Madrid after returning to the club this summer. The outcome of the match remains to be determined as both clubs begin their respective Champions League campaigns.

• 2:40 PMYahoo Sports — Materazzi: Key Inter absence vs Real Madrid, Mourinho wouldn’t have made Allegri’s substitution