Inter return from the international break with the prospect of a fuller squad at wing-back, a timely development for Cristian Chivu before a demanding stretch of fixtures. Federico Dimarco is nearing the end of a knee problem, while Djed Spence has completed his conditioning programme and is ready to make his first appearance for the Nerazzurri.
Their availability gives Chivu options he has not previously had this season. Dimarco can resume his place on the left, with Spence expected to offer a new solution on the right, an area previously occupied by Denzel Dumfries. For the first time, the coach can consider both players together as Inter prepare to resume their campaign on 10 October.
Dimarco returns after Roma outing
Dimarco’s most recent match was Inter’s meeting with Roma, when he played 54 minutes before his knee discomfort became an issue. He has used the break to recover, and his return strengthens a left side that has also been covered by Carlos Augusto.
Carlos Augusto remains an important alternative, not only as a replacement for Dimarco but also as cover for Alessandro Bastoni in defence. Chivu can also use Luis Henrique on the left despite the Brazilian being naturally right-footed, while Spence has experience of operating on that flank as well.
The depth matters because Inter face a calendar in which matches will arrive every three days. Having more than one credible option in each wide area gives the coaching staff room to manage workloads without losing the attacking width that has been central to the side’s approach.
Spence brings a new right-sided hierarchy
For Spence, this will not be a conventional comeback. The former Tottenham player has yet to feature for Inter after joining the club, having needed time to regain full physical sharpness. His last competitive appearance came with England at the World Cup in the United States on 18 July.
England beat France 6-4 in the third-place match, with Spence completing the 90 minutes and creating Bukayo Saka’s goal for 5-3. His displays for the national side had underlined why Inter moved to secure him before interest elsewhere could complicate the deal.
Inter’s investment, worth €35 million including bonuses, suggests that Spence is expected to play a substantial role once fit. His arrival does not remove Andy Diouf from the picture, but it does increase competition on the right and offers Chivu another player capable of covering more than one position.
Diouf has been used on the right and has also been considered for a switch to left-back. Alongside him, Luis Henrique and Spence give Inter several different profiles across the two touchlines.
A response required in both directions
Chivu is looking to Spence for energetic pressing, forward runs and pace in the opposition half, but his defensive work has been just as important in persuading the coach. The Englishman is expected to contribute not simply as an attacking outlet but as a full-back able to recover, close spaces and make sound decisions near Inter’s own penalty area.
That balance is needed. Inter conceded eight goals across their first five league matches, and the latest game before the break exposed problems in the defensive phase. Manu Koné scored twice from attacks that developed down Inter’s right, with deliveries arriving from the opposite side.
The return of Dimarco and the long-awaited introduction of Spence will not solve every issue on their own. But they give Chivu a more complete set of choices at a point when the season is beginning to demand rotation, defensive discipline and attacking continuity in equal measure.
