Inter have returned to Appiano Gentile after the break granted by Cristian Chivu, beginning a reduced-group week that will set the tone for a demanding October. Parma arrive on Saturday night, with the coach needing both sharper starts and healthier options before the calendar accelerates.
Quick facts
- Inter resume Serie A action against Parma on Saturday evening.
- Chivu has a limited group at Appiano while most of the squad is on international duty.
- Dimarco, Calhanoglu, Stones and the former Tottenham player remain under observation.
- Inter have allowed 10 goals in six matches in league and cup competition, with seven conceded inside roughly the opening half-hour.
- The October programme ends with the Milan derby on Halloween.
Those available at the training ground include Provedel, Di Gennaro, Pavard, Stones, Carlos Augusto, Spence, Luis Henrique, Dimarco, Calhanoglu, Curtis Jones, Mkhitaryan and Thuram. The internationals will return in stages over the coming days.
The principal fitness concerns are clear. Dimarco missed Italy duty because of a knee sprain that has not fully settled, while Calhanoglu was also unavailable for his country and is working towards a possible return against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Stones and the former Tottenham player also require monitoring. The latter was already at Appiano on Saturday, following an individual recovery programme, and Chivu hopes to have at least three of the four players ready for the first match after the extended pause.
The Parma fixture begins a crowded sequence: Club Brugge, Bologna at the Dall’Ara, Shakhtar, Fiorentina and Venezia at the Penzo follow, before Inter meet Milan on 31 October. It is a stretch that leaves little room for slow recoveries or another uncertain opening phase.
Chivu’s other immediate concern is the side’s defensive approach. Ten goals have been conceded across six Serie A and European matches, and seven of them arrived during the first 30 minutes or thereabouts. The coach has an international break in which to address a problem that has repeatedly placed Inter under pressure early.
There is also time for individual work. Jones is looking to respond after an unconvincing display against Roma, having so far made a stronger impact when introduced from the bench. The midfielder, who has embraced life in Milan and attended Fashion Week during the break, will aim to be ready when selection calls.
In goal, Provedel is pushing for his first start. Martinez, selected by Luis de la Fuente as Spain’s third goalkeeper, arrives after two matches marked by several errors.
Chivu has consistently backed Martinez and is expected to maintain that support, but Provedel will receive an opportunity. At Appiano, the competition for places is now part of a wider task: ensuring Inter enter their busiest month with greater control from the first whistle.
