Inter’s Champions League campaign reaches its next chapter against Club Brugge with Cristian Chivu preparing to refresh his side after the demands of the league programme. Five changes are under consideration, with a sixth not ruled out as the coach looks for greater intensity.
“We need energy,” Chivu said before the match, making clear that rotation will be part of Inter’s approach as they seek their first three points in the expanded league phase.
Quick facts
- Inter could make five or six changes against Club Brugge.
- Aleksandar Stankovic may start in midfield against the club where he developed last season.
- Hakan Calhanoglu has recovered from a knee issue but may be rested.
- Lautaro Martinez is expected to return and has gone 11 months without a European goal.
- Josep Martinez will remain in goal, while Ivan Provedel’s Inter debut waits.
In defence, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni are expected to come into the selection. Yann Bisseck would then move across to the right side of the back line.
Nicolo Barella and Piotr Zielinski are in line to provide new legs in midfield. The central decision could be the most notable one: Stankovic may be handed his first start as the deep-lying midfielder.
It would be a significant occasion for the Serbian, facing Brugge after a season in which the Belgian club helped accelerate his development. His inclusion would allow Calhanoglu to be managed carefully despite the midfielder’s recovery from his knee problem and Inter’s crowded run of fixtures.
Up front, captain Lautaro is set to return. His European scoring drought now stands at 11 months, giving the Brugge evening an added personal dimension as Inter try to establish their rhythm in the competition.
The goalkeeper position will not change. Josep Martinez is due to keep his place, meaning Provedel must wait longer for his first appearance in Inter colours.
