Zanetti promises Inter will be ‘very competitive’ during end-of-season Club World Cup

Javier Zanetti has promised that Inter will ‘prepare in the best possible way’ and that Simone Inzaghi has a ‘very competitive side’ at his disposal for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place almost a month after the 2024-25 Serie A season draws to a close.

Inter, and fellow Serie A representatives Juventus, learned which clubs they will face at the upcoming Club World Cup after the conclusion of the group stage draw on Thursday evening.

See how the draw unfolded on the Football Italia LIVEBLOG.

Though several high-profile players, including Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, have been critical of the expansion of the Club World Cup, particularly of its timing in the calendar, Zannetti believes that Inter are ‘happy to take part’.

The Club World Cup will take place from June 15 until July 13, and will end just a few short weeks before the 2025-26 Serie A season begins.

Zanetti: ‘I’m sure all clubs will be happy to take part’ in FIFA Club World Cup

Inter have been drawn into a group with River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds and CF Monterrey.

Assessing his side’s draw, the Inter vice-President said: “We are happy because we are in a competitive group and we will prepare in the best way possible for all three games. We have a very competitive side and we will prepare in the best way possible.

“The passion for football in this country is clear and this competition will definitely be watched by lots of fans. This is the first edition of this new format for the FIFA Club World Cup and will definitely allow everyone to see what sort of levels each team play at, I’m sure all of the clubs will be happy to take part.”

The former Nerazzurri stalwart went on to talk about fixture congestion and how Inter plan to prepare for the final tournament in the summer.

“The tournament will start when the competitions are finished in Europe and most of the world, but the players will be well prepared and will do an excellent job to arrive in the best way possible.

“In our group, there’s not just River Plate, but also Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds: nothing is ever given in these competitions. All of the games must be played with care and attention, also because we will see what sort of form the teams will be in come the end of the season. ”