Inter’s meeting with Roma comes at a point when Cristian Chivu has fewer choices than usual, but still enough to shape the evening around a handful of important calls. Injuries have narrowed the options, particularly in midfield and defence, while the coach must decide whether freshness on the right outweighs continuity.
Quick facts
- Piotr Zielinski is set to replace the unavailable Hakan Calhanoglu in midfield.
- Curtis Jones is ahead of Petar Sucic for the remaining midfield place alongside Zielinski and Nicolò Barella.
- Andy Diouf and Luis Henrique are competing for the role on Inter’s right flank.
- Josep Martinez is expected to continue in goal.
- Marcus Thuram should return alongside captain Lautaro Martinez.
- With John Stones absent, Manuel Akanji is due to lead a back three with Yann Bisseck and Alessandro Bastoni.
Zielinski’s inclusion is the clearest consequence of Calhanoglu’s absence. The Polish midfielder will join Barella, with Jones currently favoured to complete the department.
The Englishman has strengthened his case through his recent substitute appearance against Udinese and his display against Real Madrid. He did make an error in the Madrid match, but Chivu and his staff have reviewed the episode with him at Appiano Gentile, offering guidance intended to prevent a repeat.
Jones was a major signing of the last transfer window and was strongly wanted by Chivu. His technical quality, experience in demanding fixtures and personality make him a credible starter for a match of this weight, while Sucic remains a useful option from the bench.
The other live selection issue is on the right. Diouf remains the first choice in the position, ahead of Luis Henrique, although accumulated fatigue from recent matches could yet lead Chivu to alter his plan.
The decision is not expected to be driven by a particular tactical scheme or Roma’s individual profile. If Diouf is fit enough to begin, his meeting with Wesley could become one of the game’s defining individual contests.
Chivu values the Frenchman’s ability to unsettle opposing back lines simply by receiving the ball, running at his marker and forcing defenders to retreat. Inter are also waiting to assess Spence after the international break, but that consideration belongs to the next stage of the season rather than this night against Roma.
There appears to be greater certainty elsewhere. Martinez should retain his place in goal despite recent difficult outings, with Chivu convinced that the Spanish goalkeeper has the character to respond.
The coach has already publicly supported Martinez after the Udinese match. His handling of Yann Sommer last season, around the away league match against Juventus in Turin and the Champions League trip to Ajax, also suggests that Chivu is prepared to maintain faith in his goalkeeper through a demanding spell.
Up front, Thuram is ready to reunite with Lautaro, who was rested in the previous round. The return of the captain restores a familiar reference point for an Inter side seeking to carry its season forward against a direct heavyweight.
Stones’ unavailability removes a defensive debate before it can begin. Akanji is expected to take responsibility in the centre of the defence, flanked by Bisseck and Bastoni as Inter prepare for another significant Sunday in their championship campaign.
