Inter head into their Champions League campaign with confidence running high after one of the most dramatic results of the early Serie A season. Cristian Chivu's side came from two goals down to beat Napoli 3-2 at San Siro on September 5, with Lautaro Martinez scoring twice, including a 91st-minute winner, and Marcus Thuram completing the comeback. The result left Inter second in the Serie A table on nine points after three games, level with leaders Roma and third-placed Lazio.

The win carried a clear message about this squad's character, but it also came at a cost. Federico Dimarco picked up a knee injury during the match and has been ruled out of the trip to Madrid, confirmed by the latest reports from Appiano Gentile. Carlos Augusto is set to start in his place, with Luis Henrique also expected to feature rather than Diouf on the opposite flank. John Stones and Curtis Jones could both earn starting roles, giving Chivu's lineup a slightly different look from recent weeks.

The fixture itself carries extra weight. Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho, the man who led Inter to the 2010 treble, host the nerazzurri at the Santiago Bernabeu on September 8. Mourinho arrives under pressure after a 1-0 league defeat to Real Betis, while Inter travel with momentum and belief. Lautaro Martinez has spoken openly about winning the Champions League this season. The stage is set for a significant opening night in Europe.