Inter's defeat at Bodo/Glimt might not be all that surprising, but Cristian Chivu's team should worry big time

The Nerazzurri lost 3-1 against Bodo/Glimt in the first leg at the playoffs, and once viewed as potential contenders, they could be facing a playoff round exit

Inter lost 3-1 in the opening first leg of the Champions League playoffs against Bodo/Glimt, the Norwegian side that already won against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid earlier this season. The Nerazzurri will have another chance to bounce back next week in Milan when the second leg will take place on Tuesday at San Siro, but this is a worrying result for the side coached by Cristian Chivu for multiple reasons, especially a few days after they managed to win against Juventus in Milan over the weekend. 

On the other hand, Bodo/Glimt are no longer a surprise in the European tournament after they managed to win against both Manchester City in their home stadium before winning against Atletico Madrid away in the last match of the league phase. Bodo/Glimt have done what they were asked to -- taking advantage of the home stadium playing on artificial grass -- but Inter were also disappointing, even if we can definitely expect a different match next week in Milan. 

The Nerazzurri conceded the opening goal in the first half with Sondre Fet before the equalizer of Francesco Pio Esposito before the end of the opening 45 minutes. The Italian striker was once again one of the best players of the team, scoring his second goal in a few days after the key one against Juventus over the weekend. 

Inter came back on the pitch with a different attitude, not with the right mentality, and conceded two more goals to the home team as former AC Milan striker Jens Hauge and Kasper Hogh set the result to the final 3-1 result. Inter, heavily rotated, struggled throughout the match. The intense atmosphere and the home side's momentum may have unsettled the Nerazzurri, but even so, more was expected from a team that reached the 2025 Champions League final.

Ironically, the best news of the day for Chivu's team came out of the game played at San Siro between AC Milan and Como as Massimiliano Allegri's side drew 1-1 and are now seven points behind the Serie A leaders, with the Derby della Madonnina coming up in two weeks at San Siro, a pivotal clash that will decide the race for the 2025-26 Scudetto.