Internacional vs Fluminense – News and Probable Lineups

This Sunday, the Beira-Rio Stadium will be the venue for the Brasileiro round 14 encounter between Internacional and Fluminense.

With only one victory in seven home matches, Paulo Pezzolano’s team holds the poorest home record in Serie A. On the other hand, Luis Zubeldia’s squad is currently third with 26 points, but they come into this match on the back of a tough 2-0 loss to Bolivar at high altitude in La Paz on Thursday.

The disparity in league standings is evident. Internacional sits in 16th place with 14 points, tied with Santos but narrowly avoiding the relegation zone based on goal difference. Fluminense, on the other hand, is just six points shy of leaders Palmeiras and matches the second-place Flamengo in terms of points.

Match overview

Internacional’s Serie A journey has been marked by contrasting performances. In Porto Alegre, their home record is the worst in the league, managing only one win from seven matches and accumulating five points out of a possible 21. The Beira-Rio has not offered the anticipated advantage, affecting the team’s overall outcomes.

In contrast, their away performances tell a different story. Internacional has the sixth-best away record, securing nine points from six matches. Their recent draw against Botafogo in Brasilia kept them in 16th place, maintaining a position just outside the relegation zone.

Recently, Pezzolano has altered his tactics, shifting from a more attacking setup to one featuring three defensive midfielders. He acknowledged the necessity of this change: “I prefer a team that pressures high and plays aggressively, but adjustments were needed given the club’s circumstances. That’s how we began to see improvements in results.”

However, this shift has largely benefited Internacional in away games. At Beira-Rio, the strategy hasn’t translated into consistent home performances, and the statistics reflect their irregular season.

Fluminense enters the match in good form domestically but faces notable fatigue. Eight victories from 13 matches illustrate their strong showing, with Jefferson Savarino recently contributing to goals in every one of the last four games.

The 2-0 loss against Bolivar at an elevation of over 3,600 meters in La Paz marked their third consecutive defeat in the Copa Libertadores, leaving them at the bottom of Group C and highlighting the physical strain of recent matches.

The combination of travel, altitude, and extended playing time especially affects those starters who participated in the match in Bolívia. This situation necessitates immediate squad management, which could affect the team’s rhythm in Porto Alegre, particularly early in the match. Nevertheless, strong league performance contributes to the squad’s confidence.

Zubeldia views this upcoming match at Beira-Rio as an opportunity to solidify Fluminense’s position at the top and recover from their continental setback. Since his appointment in September 2025, he has shaped a more compact and organized team. Despite the fatigue, Fluminense’s 12-point lead over Internacional signifies that they are in a strong position for this fixture.

Recent encounters between the two teams also favor Fluminense. In their four meetings with Inter in 2025, they have secured three wins and a draw—two victories occurring in Porto Alegre—which boosts their confidence leading into this match.

Team News

Internacional will miss their first-choice goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, who is sidelined due to a right calf strain and isn’t expected to return until late May. Anthoni will continue as the starter but will be under scrutiny following recent blunders, including a mistake in the game against Mirassol. Center-back Gabriel Mercado is also out with a muscle injury and doesn’t have a clear timeline for his return.

On the bright side, Pezzolano will have Ronaldo and Alan Rodríguez back, expanding his options. The crucial decision will be in midfield: whether Alan Patrick and Johan Carbonero will start together or if just one will feature, as maintaining defensive balance and the three-man midfield remains a priority.

Fluminense’s injury concerns are more serious. Martinelli has sustained a grade-three rectus femoris injury in his left thigh, which will keep him out for six to eight weeks. Lucho Acosta (medial collateral ligament), German Cano (right thigh), and Matheus Reis (anterior cruciate ligament) are also unavailable.

Zubeldia is anticipated to retain most of the team that defeated Chapecoense, with Alisson stepping in for Martinelli in midfield. The primary concern will be the fitness of those who played in Bolívia, particularly Savarino and other regular starters. Nevertheless, the chance to collect points against a struggling rival may constrain squad rotation.

Internacional probable starting XI:

Anthoni; Gomes, Torres, Gabriel, Bernabei; Henrique, Villagra; Vitinho, Patrick, Carbonero; Alerrandro

Fluminense probable starting XI:

Fabio; Xavier, Jemmes, Freytes, Arana; Bernal, Alisson, Hercules; Savarino, Canobbio, Castillo

Fluminense arrives with strong credentials to secure all three points in Porto Alegre. The gap in the standings reflects recent form, while Internacional’s struggles at home reinforce the visitors’ reputation as favorites.

The fatigue from playing at altitude in Bolívia is a notable factor and could provide Internacional with an opportunity to score. Nevertheless, the overall situation is unfavorable for the hosts: with key absentees and defensive instability, they have found it challenging to maintain a competitive level for the full 90 minutes against higher-quality opponents.