Internacional vs Chapecoense-sc - Serie A

All eyes turn to the home ground on March 22, 2026 as Internacional welcome Chapecoense-sc in a Serie A encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

Internacional head into the contest positioned 18th in the Serie A standings, while Chapecoense-sc arrive sitting 20th. It has been a torrid run for the hosts, WLLDD in their last five and a season win rate of just 22.22% that has the alarm bells ringing. Chapecoense-sc are searching for answers away from home, LWLWD over their last five with a campaign win rate of 11.54%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Internacional average 1.11 per game to Chapecoense-sc's 1.08, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. On Wednesday night, Infantino was given the "full support" of FIFA's management board in a statement despite being forced to abandon his plan to sell stakes in a company to run the World Cup to private investors.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Internacional will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Chapecoense-sc must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Chelsea have been encouraged to consider a surprise move for Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, with former Red Devils midfielder Quinton Fortune believing the Cameroon international could suit their style of football.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman K. Viveros, whose 18 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. The future of Enzo Fernandez, who has flirted with a Chelsea exit for some time now, could be decisive if they are to bring in a midfielder for big money.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. Backed by home advantage and superior form, Internacional ought to prevail — a 2-1 victory looks the logical call. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Serie A standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.