<p><em>Inter Milan arrive in northern Norway with a five-match winning streak, but the shadow of Friday's controversial 3-2 victory over Juventus looms large over this Champions League knockout play-off opener.</em></p> <ul> <li><strong>Competition: </strong>UEFA Champions League Knockout Play-offs (First Leg)</li> <li><strong>Venue: </strong>Aspmyra Stadion, Bodø, Norway</li> <li><strong>Date: </strong>Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (Thursday, February 19 in AEDT)</li> <li><strong>Start Time: </strong>7:00 AM AEDT (Thursday)</li> </ul> <h2>Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan Form and Head to Head</h2> <p>These clubs have minimal European history between them, making this knockout play-off a fresh chapter for both sides. Inter finished the league phase in 10th with 15 points, while Bodø/Glimt secured 23rd place with 9 points after memorable victories over Manchester City (3-1) and Atlético Madrid (2-1).</p> <p>The Nerazzurri have been in formidable form, winning their last five matches. Their 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund showcased their European pedigree, while the 5-0 demolition of Sassuolo demonstrated their domestic dominance.</p> <p>Bodø/Glimt enter with four consecutive wins and a reputation for making life difficult for Europe's elite at home. For those looking to <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-uefa-champions-league">bet on the Champions League</a>, this tie presents an intriguing clash of styles.</p> <h2>VAR Controversy and Arctic Conditions Cloud Inter's Preparation</h2> <p>Inter's victory over Juventus was marred by disputed officiating decisions that have dominated Italian football headlines. Zielinski's 90th-minute winner came amid significant controversy, and the mental hangover from such disputes can affect even the most experienced squads.</p> <p>Çalhanoğlu and Barella are available despite serving <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/italy/italian-serie-a">Serie A</a> suspensions, giving Cristian Chivu his preferred midfield trio.</p> <p>However, the transition from San Siro to Aspmyra's artificial turf and sub-zero to low single-digit temperatures presents an adjustment challenge. Bodø/Glimt have made this compact 8,270-seat venue a fortress, and their direct attacking style has troubled Europe's elite this season.</p> <h2>Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan Betting Markets</h2> <p>Inter's defensive record stands out in this competition, with just seven goals conceded across eight league phase matches. Their <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/what-is-xg-soccer-explained">expected goals</a> against tally ranks among the best in the tournament, suggesting they know how to shut down opposition attacks when it matters.</p> <p>For <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/uefa-competitions/uefa-champions-league/bodo-glimt-v-inter-10103133">the latest Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan odds and markets</a>, check out our dedicated odds page here at Sportsbet.</p> <p>The unders market looks appealing given Inter's tactical discipline in knockout football. While both teams have shown attacking prowess domestically, the stakes of a two-legged tie often produce cagey first-leg encounters.</p> <h2>Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan Prediction: Our Pick</h2> <p>A draw looks the value play here, with under 2.5 goals completing a considered double.</p> <p>Inter's form is undeniable, but the circumstances surrounding Friday's Juventus win create genuine concern.</p> <p>Controversial victories tend to sap mental energy, and travelling 2,500 kilometres to face a fired-up Norwegian side on artificial turf compounds the challenge. Bodø/Glimt have proven they belong at this level by beating Manchester City at home and Atlético Madrid away this season.</p> <p>Inter's defensive structure, which has conceded just seven Champions League goals, should keep the Norwegians at bay. But Chivu's men may struggle to find their usual fluency on the unfamiliar surface.</p> <p>First legs in knockout ties historically favour caution, and both managers will be mindful of protecting positions for the return fixture. The risk lies in Inter's attacking firepower clicking despite the circumstances, but at the available prices, a low-scoring stalemate offers genuine appeal.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/serie-a-betting-guide-2025-26">Everything you need to know before betting on Serie A</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/most-trophies-football-history">The players who've lifted more silverware than anyone else</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-europa-league">How to approach betting on UEFA's second-tier competition</a></li> </ul>