Inter return to San Siro after the international break with Cristian Chivu asking for a sharper start, while the visit of Alberto Gilardino’s Parma offers another test of the league leaders’ rhythm and authority.
The decision
Chivu settled two late selection questions for the 18:00 meeting with Parma. Pio Esposito was chosen to partner Marcus Thuram in attack, ahead of Lautaro Martinez, despite the Argentine arriving back in Milan in strong condition after his international commitments.
Hakan Calhanoglu also won his place in midfield after recovering from injury. Aleksandar Stankovic had been in contention for a first start at the stadium where his father Dejan made his name, but Chivu entrusted the central role to the Turkish international.
The expected Inter midfield places Calhanoglu alongside Petar Sucic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with Andy Diouf and Federico Dimarco on the flanks. Josep Martinez is set to start in goal behind Benjamin Pavard, Yann Bisseck and Carlos Augusto.
Chivu spoke of the need to carry forward the good work done before the break, while recognising a recurring problem in Inter’s opening phases. “We have often fallen behind, and that is a fact,” he said. “We must change our approach at the beginning of matches so that it does not keep happening.”
The coach expects Parma to arrive with added motivation. “Any side coming to San Siro finds something extra,” he said. “We have to show the best version of ourselves.”
He also praised Alessandro Bastoni after the defender’s international performances, arguing that the player had earned his progress through work and willingness during more difficult periods. Chivu was particularly pleased to see him influential in a four-man defence for Italy, where different defensive reading was required.
All of Inter’s internationals have returned fit, and Chivu highlighted the growing standing of Diouf and Esposito. Diouf, he noted, has become an international player for a major national side, while Esposito has already been operating at that level for some time and continues to make an impact for club and country.
Esposito himself said he was pleased with both his Italy experience and Inter’s start to the campaign, but stressed that the standard must now be maintained.
Sunday’s picture
Parma arrive under Gilardino, with the visitors listed in a 3-4-2-1 shape. Edoardo Corvi is expected in goal, protected by Enrico Delprato, Lautaro Troilo and Diego Carlos. The midfield includes Giovanni Leoni Carboni, Mandela Keita, Vincent Sierro and Emanuele Valeri, with Touré and Lontani operating behind Romero.
Inter have also been listed in a 3-5-2 arrangement featuring Josep Martinez; Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Bastoni; Diouf, Nicolò Barella, Calhanoglu, Sucic and Dimarco; Ange-Yoan Bonny and Thuram.
Kevin Bonacina of the Bergamo section will referee the match. Fontani and Barone are the assistants, Manganiello is fourth official, while Paterna and Massimi will oversee VAR duties.
