Inter used the international break to test the readiness of those left at Appiano Gentile, with Cristian Chivu drawing encouraging answers from a closed-door friendly against Serie C side Lumezzane. The Italian champions won 2-0, but the afternoon mattered chiefly for returning players and the options taking shape before Parma visit San Siro on Saturday.
Key takeaways
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan and youngster Agbonifo scored in Inter’s 2-0 win over Lumezzane.
- Djed Spence played close to an hour in his first outing in Nerazzurri colours and is pushing for a Parma debut.
- Federico Dimarco completed the match, signalling that his knee sprain has been overcome.
- Curtis Jones continued his adaptation to Chivu’s group during the break.
- Ivan Provedel remains an option to start against Parma in place of Pepo Martinez.
Useful signs at Appiano Gentile
Chivu requested the fixture to give competitive minutes to players not away on international duty. The match was staged behind closed doors at Inter’s training base and consisted of two 35-minute periods, enough for the coaching staff and club directors present to assess the physical condition of the available squad members.
Mkhitaryan opened the scoring before Agbonifo added the second. For Mkhitaryan, the goal came alongside a timely reminder of his value in a period when several teammates will return from international travel needing careful management. The midfielder is in contention to play a significant role as Inter move into a crowded October schedule.
The most closely watched participant was Spence. The former Tottenham player has had his settling-in period slowed by a physical problem since joining Chivu’s side, but was able to stretch his legs for nearly 60 minutes against Lumezzane. He is not yet at full fitness, though the appearance strengthens the prospect of an official first match for Inter against Parma at 18:00 on Saturday.
Dimarco also offered Chivu a positive update. The Inter number 32 stayed on the field throughout the friendly after the knee injury suffered against Napoli several weeks ago. That problem had also ruled him out of Roberto Mancini’s Italy commitments, but his full appearance suggests he will be available against Parma, where Alberto Gilardino will take charge of the Emilian club for the first time.
Jones, meanwhile, is using these days at Appiano to gain a firmer understanding of Inter’s routines and demands. Provedel had little to do in the friendly and kept a clean sheet, yet his potential league debut remains under consideration. Chivu must decide whether the Parma match is the right moment to rest Pepo Martinez, who has also been away with Spain.
The returns before Parma
Inter’s players will have a rest day before preparations resume, with the main concern becoming the staggered return of the international contingent. Yann Bisseck, back since Thursday, was the first to rejoin Chivu’s working group.
Others will arrive in stages. Bonny and Stankovic are expected before the Italian internationals, while captain Lautaro Martinez is set to be the last significant returnee. He is involved in Lionel Messi’s final Argentina appearance and is likely to reach Appiano Gentile on Thursday, only around 48 hours before the Parma fixture.
It is not an unfamiliar situation for Inter, but it requires restraint as Chivu weighs freshness against the demands of the next league round. The month ahead will bring a heavy programme, and the Lumezzane test underlined why Inter expect to need contributions across the squad.
