Inter Milan have finally found a bit of form at the Club World Cup and will fancy their chances of reaching the quarter-finals when they take on Brazilian side Fluminense in the last 16.
The Serie A side headed to America on a downer after losing the Serie A title on the final day then suffering a humiliating 5-0 loss to Paris St-Germain in the Champions League Final.
To add to their problems, manager Simone Inzaghi left to take up the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia, leaving new gaffer Crisitan Chivu with the task of lifting the demoralised squad for the Club World Cup.
The initial signs weren't good as Inter Milan laboured to a 1-1 draw with Monterrey then needed two late goals to defeat Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1. But they came good in their final game, beating River Plate 2-0 in a stormy clash that brought up a bet for Slips Tips.
That saw Chivu's side top Group F and they now face a Fluminense side who were made to sweat before booking their place in the last 16.
The Brazilians got off to a good start by holding Dortmund to a draw then beating Ulsan 4-2 but they headed into the final Group G game knowing a defeat would send them crashing out.
That made for a nervy 90 minutes against Mamelodi Sundowns and the South Africans wasted a few big chances as Fluminense held on for a 0-0 draw that frustrated the Betting Desk after backing goals at both ends.
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How the bookies view it: Marching Inter the quarter-finals
After beating River Plate in their last game, Inter Milan are heavy 1/3 favourites with BoyleSports to reach the last eight, with Fluminense 21/10 outsiders. For a win inside 90 minutes, the Brazilians are even bigger at 15/4 while Inter go up to 7/10. A third draw in four games for Fluminense pays 12/5.
Head to head: Masters of the Italian job
This is the first competitive meeting of Inter Milan and Fluminense, although they drew 1-1 in a San Siro friendly back in 1961. That's stalemate is part of an incredible 14-game unbeaten run for the Brazilians against Italian opposition, with Fluminense winning 10 of those games.
Players to watch: Martinez on a mission
Captain Lautaro Martinez remains the main man up front for Inter Milan and netted once in the group stage. The Argentinian will be fired up against Brazilian opposition and he's 6/4 at BoyleSports for anytime scorer.
Colombian winger Jhon Arias scored for Fluminense in their win over Ulsan and his pace and power will be a threat to Inter's defence. He's 4/1 at BoyleSports for another goal while Bet365 price him at 9/4 to score or assist.
Probable line-ups
Striker Marcus Thuram and midfielder Davide Frattesi are doubts for Inter, with Hakan Calhanoglu, Piotr Zielinski, Yann Bisseck, Benjamin Pavard and Mehdi Taremi already ruled out.
Fluminense are in better shape, with veteran defender Thiago Silva and Venezuelan forward Yeferson Soteldo set to feature after shaking off injuries.
Inter Milan: Sommer, Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Martínez, F Esposito.
Fluminense: Fabio, S Xavier, T Silva, Freytes, Rene, Herrcules, Nonato, Martinelli, Arias, Cano, Canobbio.
Anything else catch the eye?
Two of Fluminense's group games ended in 0-0 draws so it doesn't bode well for a thriller. Combining under 2.5 goals with BTTS no could pay off at 21/20 in a BoyleSports bet builder.
All but one of Inter's goals at this tournament have come in the second half so backing most strikes to come after the break also looks good at evens with the same firm.
Gmaes between European and South American sides have been pretty fiery so far and that makes going for cards another good option. I like the evens on offer at Unibet for Fluminense to collect over 2.5 cards.
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