In a heart-pounding display of grit and glory, Inter Milan staged a jaw-dropping 2-1 comeback against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, electrifying fans at Seattle’s Lumen Field. Marking Cristian Chivu’s first official win as Inter’s head coach, the victory was capped by an unexpected gift from club president Giuseppe Marotta, sending the Nerazzurri soaring with confidence as they chase global dominance.

The match kicked off with a shock in the 11th minute when Urawa’s Ryoma Watanabe capitalized on a lightning counterattack, etching his name in history as the first Asian player to score against an Italian side in the Club World Cup. Inter, despite dominating possession, struggled to find the net. Lautaro Martínez’s header rattled the crossbar, but nine first-half shots flew wide, leaving the Nerazzurri trailing at halftime. The pressure was on for Chivu, whose recent appointment had sparked skepticism given his limited top-tier coaching experience.

The second half saw Chivu unleash a tactical overhaul, injecting fresh energy with young striker Francesco Pio Esposito. Inter’s relentless focus on crosses paid off in the 78th minute when captain Martínez unleashed a stunning volley off Nicolò Barella’s corner, blasting past Urawa’s Shusaku Nishikawa to level the score at 1-1. The stadium erupted, and Inter smelled blood. As stoppage time loomed, Valentin Carboni, back after an eight-month ACL recovery, sealed the miracle. Coolly slotting a rebound past Nishikawa, the young midfielder sparked wild celebrations, propelling Inter to the top of Group E with four points.

Carboni’s goal was more than a match-winner—it was a testament to his resilience. Chivu, beaming post-match, hailed his team’s tenacity: “We fought until the end, believing in every chance.” He also tipped his hat to Urawa’s discipline, admitting, “They were tough to break down.” For Chivu, a Treble-winning Inter hero under José Mourinho in 2010, this victory silenced doubters. Having guided Parma to Serie A safety last season, he’s now proving his mettle on the world stage.

The post-match euphoria reached new heights when Marotta, Inter’s pragmatic president, stormed the locker room with a game-changing gesture. Each player received a personalized commemorative plaque, engraved with their name and a tribute to their role in Inter’s storied legacy. For Chivu, Marotta presented a signed 2010 Inter jersey, a nod to the club’s Treble glory. The team erupted in cheers, their bond tightened ahead of a grueling schedule. Marotta’s move wasn’t just heartfelt—it was a calculated boost to rally the squad after their 5-0 Champions League final loss to PSG just 18 days earlier.

With the River Plate showdown looming, Inter’s mix of veterans like Martínez and Barella and rising stars like Carboni and Esposito has fans dreaming big. Marotta’s gift has lit a fire under the Nerazzurri, reminding them of their historic roots and untapped potential. As Chivu eyes a deep run in the tournament, this victory—and Marotta’s masterstroke—could be the spark that propels Inter to Club World Cup glory.