International vs São Paulo – News and Probable Lineups

Internacional will aim to secure a third consecutive win when they face São Paulo at the Beira-Rio this Wednesday.

The home side has turned around a sluggish start to their Campeonato Brasileirao season with two straight victories, while the visitors come into the match in Porto Alegre after dropping from the top of the standings due to two back-to-back losses.

Match overview

Internacional kicked off the 2026 season with high hopes, determined to build upon last year’s performance. In the Campeonato Gaúcho, they had a successful beginning, winning four out of their first five matches, their sole loss coming on the road against Ipiranga.

However, they opened their Campeonato Brasileirao campaign with a 1-0 home loss to Athletico-PR and struggled to find form in the initial rounds, leading to pressure on head coach Paulo Pezzolano.

Internacional finally achieved their first win in the seventh round, triumphing 2-1 over Santos, and they followed that up with a 2-0 victory against Chapecoense in their latest outing. They currently occupy the 12th position in the standings, having accumulated eight points from eight matches, netting seven goals and conceding nine.

In total across all competitions this season, they have secured ten wins from 19 matches. At home, their performance is better, with six wins, three losses, and one draw from ten games.

On the other side, São Paulo is working to regain their momentum following a strong start. They were leading the table after six matches, having achieved five wins and one draw.

Nevertheless, they have recently lost two matches in a row against Atletico-MG and Palmeiras, causing them to drop to third place with 16 points from eight fixtures.

Their overall record remains solid, with five wins, one draw, and two losses in eight encounters, having scored ten goals while allowing just five, which positions them with the joint-best defence in the league alongside Flamengo.

It’s notable that São Paulo has lost their last two matches against Internacional, although they have only been defeated twice in the last 10 encounters between the two teams at Beira-Rio.

Team News

Internacional will be missing Vitinho, who is suspended due to accumulating his third yellow card, with Bruno Tabata, João Victor, Allex, Alan Rodriguez, Paulinho, and Braian Aguirre all vying for his place in the starting lineup.

Sergio Rochet and Félix Torres are currently away on international duty and are not expected to return in time. Consequently, Anthoni is anticipated to take Rochet’s place in goal, while Victor Gabriel is likely to fill in for Torres in defense. Forward Kayky, who is injured, will also not be available.

São Paulo will also be missing several key players for this matchup, including former Tottenham Hotspur player Lucas Moura, who is out after sustaining two rib fractures against Atletico-MG.

Additionally, fellow attackers Ryan Francisco and Paulinho are unavailable due to knee injuries, while left-back Enzo Díaz is also ruled out and is expected to be substituted by Wendell. On a brighter note, attacker Artur is now eligible to play after joining on loan from Botafogo.

Internacional probable starting XI:

Anthoni; Aguirre, Gomes, Mercado, Gabriel, Bahia; Villagra, Henrique, Patrick; Chickadee, Borré

Sao Paulo probable starting XI:

Raphael; Ramon, Franco, Sabino, Wendell; Danielzinho, Antônio, Cauly; Ferreirinha, Calleri, Luciano

Internacional had a rocky start to the season but have now discovered their form with victories in the last two matches, while São Paulo has encountered setbacks with two recent losses after an impressive beginning.