Djed Spence is finally ready to begin his Inter career on the pitch, with Cristian Chivu expected to include the English wing-back in the squad for Parma’s visit to San Siro. After an interrupted start in Milan, the 26-year-old could receive his first Nerazzurri minutes in front of a home crowd that has waited since his August arrival to see him in competitive action.
A delayed start after the summer
Spence arrived in Milan during August, but physical problems carried over from the summer in the United States and delayed his integration. His early weeks at Inter were spent working individually at Appiano Gentile before he was able to rejoin full training during the international break.
The wait has required patience from both player and club. Spence had not played since England’s 18 July World Cup third-place play-off against France, making a gradual return unavoidable. Inter’s 2-0 friendly win over Lumezzane last Saturday offered the first practical step, as he completed 50 minutes at the Pinetina.
- Spence is set for his first Inter call-up against Parma.
- Chivu’s plan is to give him part of the match rather than immediately start him.
- The Lumezzane appearance was his first outing since the World Cup.
- His return has followed individual conditioning work and a later reintroduction to the group.
For now, the main objective is simply to see Spence working within the collective on matchday. A starting place against Parma appears unlikely after such a lengthy absence, but his availability marks the end of the first, difficult phase of his adaptation.
Inter’s long-term investment
Inter committed heavily to Spence, paying €35 million including bonuses and tying him to a contract running until 2031. The club see him as a significant part of their future, recruited for his ability in one-on-one situations, his pace and his capacity to operate on either flank.
There is also a clear sporting comparison to be made as Inter move from the Dumfries era towards a new option on the right. Spence is expected to offer more defensive physicality than the Dutchman, while his output in goals and assists remains an area in which Inter believe he can develop.
The England international’s personality has been noticed at Appiano, where he had previously earned the affectionate nickname “chill guy” during his time in Genoa. Inter have worked not only on his fitness, but on helping him match that relaxed character with the demands and discipline of a leading European club.
Spence has made no secret of his impatience to get started. He posted “soon” from the Appiano dressing room, then wrote “I’m coming” beneath the club’s 28 September post announcing his return to group training. The social-media countdown now gives way to the more important judgement of his performances.
Competition on both flanks
His route into Chivu’s side is not straightforward. The shape of Inter’s wide areas has changed during his absence, and there are several candidates across the two sides of the pitch.
- Diouf has been used on the right despite being deployed on his opposite foot, producing encouraging numbers despite defensive lapses.
- Zidane has also played his compatriot on the left, adding another option to the selection picture.
- Federico Dimarco remains the leading choice on the left and stayed at Appiano during the break.
- Carlos Augusto has provided effective competition behind Dimarco.
- Luis Henrique has a strong chance of starting on the right against Parma.
That depth means Spence does not need to carry the burden of an immediate starting role. Chivu can introduce him carefully, assess how he handles Serie A intensity and decide where his versatility will be most useful over the season.
Inter supporters have already seen Englishmen Jones and Stones feature before both were sidelined by injury. Spence is the remaining member of that English group still awaiting his Nerazzurri debut, and Parma may provide the moment when his Milan chapter begins in earnest.
