Four-time European champions Ajax will kick off their latest Champions League campaign on Wednesday, welcoming last year's runners-up Inter Milan to Amsterdam.
The Dutch giants are unbeaten this season, while Inter head to Johan Cruyff Arena having just lost back-to-back matches, but both are still recovering from end-of-term meltdowns in 2024-25.
It was a spectacular fall from grace for Ajax and their former manager Francesco Farioli, as they fluffed a golden chance to regain the Eredivisie title before the Italian coach walked out.
Beating nearest challengers PSV at the end of March took his team nine points clear at the top, but they then froze near the finish line and ended up missing out.
Having exited the Europa League at its last-16 stage and also failed to claim the KNVB Beker, it has now been three years since the Amsterdammers have lifted a major trophy.
The board responded to Farioli's departure by bringing John Heitinga back to the club, after he served Ajax with distinction during his playing days, then filled in as interim head coach before working as an assistant at West Ham United and Liverpool.
Heitinga's side have yet to lose so far, winning all three home games but twice dropping points on the road - last time out, they beat PEC Zwolle 3-1.
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