Inter’s return to Serie A is beginning to take shape at Appiano Gentile, although Cristian Chivu will have to wait a little longer before he has his full group available for the visit of Parma at San Siro.
In a week’s time, the Nerazzurri will be on the eve of a fixture that carries personal associations for both Chivu and Ange-Yoan Bonny. Parma also brings back the memory of last season’s meeting, when Inter’s 21st Scudetto was secured mathematically. That chapter is now behind them, however, with the immediate concern centred on the end of the international break and the demands that await a side about to enter a crowded period.
Yann Bisseck has already reported back to Milan. Germany coach Jurgen Klopp used the defender in the second of the first two Nations League matches, before selecting a different 22-man group for the final pair of games. The decision has allowed Inter to recover an important defender earlier than expected, with Bisseck returning to work on Thursday.
The next players due back are Bonny and Aleksandar Stankovic. Bonny will complete his international duty with a friendly on Saturday evening, while Stankovic’s Serbia commitments conclude on Sunday at 20:45.
Inter’s Italy contingent will not be released before Tuesday, as the national team has one final Nations League fixture on Monday night after Friday’s match. Piotr Zielinski and Andy Diouf are working to the same timetable with Poland and France respectively.
The club have yet to confirm the full training plan for next week. Those already in Milan will continue at Appiano after Saturday’s friendly against Lumezzane, with sessions also scheduled for Sunday and Monday. Chivu may still grant his players a day away from the training ground before Serie A resumes, but that remains undecided.
Lautaro’s late return complicates Parma preparation
Lautaro Martinez will be the last Inter player to return. The captain is set to play Argentina’s final friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires during the Italian night on Wednesday, leaving him with very limited time on the training pitch before Parma arrive.
Chivu will have to weigh the striker’s wish to remain involved in every Inter occasion against the practical need to manage his workload. With potentially fewer than 48 hours to prepare for Parma after his journey back from Argentina, Lautaro’s condition will be a significant part of the coach’s selection thinking.
The decision matters beyond one Sunday afternoon. Inter are approaching a demanding run in which they will play seven matches across 21 days, making the management of energy and returning internationals as important as the first league match back at San Siro.
