Inter return to Serie A against Parma with a fuller set of options on the flanks, a timely development for Cristian Chivu as the season begins to reveal where his side needs balance. The friendly against Lumezzane offered encouraging signs from two players who had been unavailable or short of match fitness: Federico Dimarco and Djed Spence.
Dimarco completed the entire match, putting the knee sprain that kept him out of international duty behind him. Spence, meanwhile, has been cleared physically and is nearing his first appearance in Inter colours, although he still needs minutes after roughly two and a half months without a competitive game.
Quick facts
- Inter face Parma when the league resumes.
- Djed Spence is fit after his lengthy absence and is closing in on his Nerazzurri debut.
- Federico Dimarco has recovered from a knee injury and played the full friendly against Lumezzane.
- Diouf has started five of Inter’s first six matches, delivering three assists.
- Spence arrived for €30 million plus add-ons after Palestra chose Chelsea and Khalaili failed his medical.
- Carlos Augusto has scored twice while filling in for Dimarco against Real Madrid and Udinese.
The original idea had been for Dimarco and Spence to establish themselves as the first choices on the left and right. Spence was recruited after Inter’s late move for Palestra fell through and Khalaili was unable to complete his medical checks. His fee reflected the club’s faith in a player who had been among England’s strongest performers during their third-place World Cup campaign.
That plan has been reshaped by Diouf’s start to the campaign. After an impressive summer, he has carried his form into competitive fixtures, starting five of six games and being substituted only once. His three assists have underlined his impact, while Zidane has also handed him a senior international debut, using him on the left in a four-man defence.
A selection question for Chivu
Spence’s return does not automatically displace Diouf. The two offer Chivu different solutions, with Diouf more inclined to attack and Spence bringing a more defensive profile. The choice may therefore depend on the demands of each match rather than a fixed hierarchy.
Inter have had problems protecting the centre-right area in the opening weeks. Roma’s two goals came from that zone, and Spence’s defensive instincts could help Chivu tighten that side when required.
His versatility adds another layer. Although capable of operating on the right, Spence has spent more time on the left for club and country over the past season. He can therefore provide relief for Dimarco, and a pairing of Diouf on the right with Spence on the opposite flank is a realistic alternative.
Chivu’s choices extend beyond those three. Luis Henrique can work on either wing, even if he has yet to consistently show his full potential at Inter. He remains a useful squad option over a long Serie A campaign.
Carlos Augusto is the established answer within the group. Now in his fourth season with the club, he has remained dependable and has been viewed by Chivu primarily as cover for Bastoni. Yet his background as a wide player remains valuable: he replaced Dimarco against Real Madrid and Udinese, scoring in both matches.
For Inter, the return of Dimarco and the approach of Spence’s debut are not merely medical updates. They give Chivu the chance to adjust his wide play, protect vulnerable areas and rotate without weakening a department that is becoming increasingly important to the shape of the championship.
