The Daily Star Ireland
Union Saint-Gilloise return to Stade Joseph Marien seeking redemption in the UEFA Champions League after back-to-back defeats in Europe and a slip in domestic form. Their opponent, Inter Milan, are flying high and aim to continue their perfect start in the competition. The contrast in momentum between the Belgian champions and the Italian giants could not be sharper ahead of this Group Stage clash.
Match Preview
Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) entered this Champions League campaign full of confidence after conquering Belgium last season, but life at Europe’s top level has proven harsh. They started impressively with a 3–1 win over PSV Eindhoven away, but their home debut ended in a nightmare — a 0–4 defeat to Newcastle United. That setback was followed by a domestic loss to Club Brugge (1–0), marking their first league defeat of the season. The Belgian side will hope to stabilize under new management as they look to avoid a third straight loss across all competitions.
Their visitors, Inter Milan, are in superb form. Last season’s Champions League runners-up and 2025 finalists have started this campaign flawlessly. The Nerazzurri cruised past Ajax 2–0 in Amsterdam before sweeping Slavia Prague 3–0 at home. Simone Inzaghi’s men have been equally dominant in Serie A, winning three straight league matches before the international break, including a 4–1 thrashing of Cremonese. Their tactical consistency and squad depth make them one of the tournament’s early favorites.
Team Form & Recent Results
Union Saint-Gilloise (Last 5 Matches): L–L–W–W–W
- Goals Scored: 9
- Goals Conceded: 7
- Clean Sheets: 1
Inter Milan (Last 5 Matches): W–W–W–W–L
- Goals Scored: 13
- Goals Conceded: 3
- Clean Sheets: 3
While USG’s attack remains effective in domestic play, defensive fragility has become a major concern. Inter, on the other hand, have found the perfect balance — their defense has conceded only once in the Champions League so far, while their attack is firing on all cylinders.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Union Saint-Gilloise and Inter Milan. The Belgian side have never beaten an Italian opponent in UEFA competition, while Inter boast an eight-match unbeaten streak against teams from Belgium.
Lineups, Injuries & Team News
Union Saint-Gilloise (expected lineup):
Moris – Machida, Burgess, Sykes – Castro-Montes, Vanhoutte, Lazare, Lapoussin – Florucz, Rodriguez, David
Injured/Unavailable: Fuseini (injured)
Returning: Raul Florucz (back from suspension)
Key Players:
- Raul Florucz: Four goals in the league and a vital creative force on the wing.
- Promise David: Another four-goal contributor, offering pace and directness in attack.
- Kevin Rodriguez: Aerial threat and link-up forward who adds physical presence up front.
Inter Milan (expected lineup):
Sommer – Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni – Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco – Thuram, Lautaro Martínez
Injured/Unavailable: Tomas Palacios (not registered)
Returning: Marcus Thuram (recovered from minor injury)
Key Players:
- Lautaro Martínez: Club captain and top scorer across all competitions.
- Hakan Calhanoglu: The metronome in midfield with exceptional passing and set-piece ability.
- Denzel Dumfries: Adds width and intensity on the right flank, vital in Inter’s transitions.
Tactical Analysis & Key Battles
Union Saint-Gilloise’s Approach:
Under interim coach David Hubert, USG are expected to stay compact in a 3-5-2 setup, prioritizing defensive discipline and counterattacks. The return of Florucz adds a direct threat on the wing, while Rodriguez will serve as a target man. Expect them to press selectively and rely on quick vertical transitions to exploit spaces behind Inter’s high defensive line.
Inter’s Strategy:
Inzaghi’s Inter continue to thrive in their hybrid 3-5-2 system, built on structured possession and fast transitions. Barella and Calhanoglu will control midfield tempo, while Dumfries and Dimarco push high to stretch the opposition. Martínez and Thuram form one of Europe’s most dynamic strike partnerships, combining movement and finishing.
Key Tactical Duels:
- Barella vs Lazare: Midfield work rate and control in transitions.
- Rodriguez vs Acerbi: Power vs composure in the central defensive battle.
- Dumfries vs Lapoussin: Width duel that could decide Inter’s attacking rhythm.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
1X2 Odds: Union SG 7.50 | Draw 4.50 | Inter 1.40
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 1.70 | Under 2.05
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes 2.00 | No 1.75
Top Betting Picks:
- Inter to Win (1.40): The Nerazzurri’s quality and consistency make them heavy favorites.
- Over 2.5 Goals (1.70): Inter’s attack and USG’s defensive issues point to goals.
- Lautaro Martínez to Score Anytime (2.10): In red-hot form and the team’s main finisher.
Quick Facts (Featured Snippet):
- Venue: Stade Joseph Marien, Brussels, Belgium
- Kickoff: October 23, 2025 – 20:00 CET / 19:00 BST / 14:00 EST
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – Group Stage
- Broadcast: RTL Belgium / Mediaset / Paramount+
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Live Broadcast: RTL Belgium (BE), Mediaset (IT), Paramount+ (US), TNT Sports (UK)
Kickoff Time: Wednesday, October 23, 2025 – 20:00 CET
Prediction: Union Saint-Gilloise vs Inter Milan, UEFA Champions League 2025/26
Inter Milan’s European pedigree, superior squad depth, and tactical precision should make the difference in Brussels. Union Saint-Gilloise will fight hard in front of their home crowd, but Inter’s efficiency and experience will likely prove overwhelming over 90 minutes. Expect a professional, dominant performance from the visitors.
Final Prediction: Union Saint-Gilloise 0–3 Inter Milan
Best Bet: Inter to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Alternative Value: Lautaro Martínez to Score Anytime
Inter’s relentless form and away consistency make them strong contenders for another deep Champions League run, while Union SG face a steep learning curve at this level.
