Since opening in 2010, Red Bull Arena has hosted some of the biggest teams in world football. That tradition continues this summer, as F.C. Internazionale will face off against Estudiantes de La Plata on July 27.
Tickets: Inter vs. Estudiantes at Red Bull Arena
This clash between Italian and Argentine giants will feature some of the biggest names in the game including some familiar faces from past World Cup competitions.
Estudiantes backstop Mariano Andújar (on loan from Italian side Napoli) was a part of Argentina’s 2010 World Cup squad and was a runner-up at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Meanwhile, Inter boast a cavalcade of international experience. World talents such as Andújar’s former Argentina teammate Rodrigo Palacio, Yuto Nagatomo of Japan, Brazilian captain Miranda, and Samir Handanović of Slovenia, who faced off against the United States during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, will all be on hand at Red Bull Arena.
Coupled with their star power on the pitch, both teams are led by noteworthy figures in their own right.
Former Arsenal, Inter, and Argentina defender Nelson Vivas is at the helm for Estudiantes, while former Manchester City manager and Italian international Roberto Mancini leads Inter in his second stint as manager of the club.
Historically, both sides have enjoyed massive success and have the trophy cases to prove it.
Estudiantes have claimed the prestigious Copa Libertadores four times, most recently in 2009. After lifting the trophy in 1968, 1969, and 1970, they became the first team to win the competition in three consecutive seasons. They have also enjoyed domestic success winning the Argentine Primera División six times.
Meanwhile, Inter are amongst the most decorated teams in all of world football. The “Nerazzurri” are the only team to never have been relegated from Italy’s top flight, Serie A, a testament to their longevity and consistency. They are also the only Italian side to win the elusive treble (a feat only seven clubs ever have attained), claiming the Scudetto (winners of Serie A), the Coppa Italia (domestic cup), and the UEFA Champions League all during the 2009-10 campaign under the direction of current Manchester United manager José Mourinho.
