Petar Sucic returned to Milan with the international break having offered a sharp reminder of his standing in Croatia. While his role at Inter has been managed carefully, Slaven Bilic used the midfielder in all three Nations League matches, giving him 214 minutes across seven days.
That workload was almost identical to the 212 minutes Sucic had accumulated for Cristian Chivu in Inter’s first five matches of the season. The contrast has prompted discussion around a 22-year-old who will turn 23 on 25 October, but Inter’s position remains firm: he is regarded as an important young player for both the present and the future.
A crowded midfield, but no desire to leave
Inter have treated Sucic’s early-season minutes as part of normal squad management, particularly in a midfield department with considerable competition. The player himself has no intention of looking elsewhere and wants to earn his place with the Italian champions.
Zvonimir Boban, who like Sucic came through Dinamo Zagreb, took a different view. Speaking on RadioRai, the former Milan midfielder described Sucic as a complete and highly talented player who should be used more regularly by Inter.
Boban suggested that the Croatian did not appear fully comfortable with his situation and questioned the value of remaining in Milan if that pattern continued. Inter, however, do not share that concern. They expect opportunities to increase during a demanding October, when seven matches are scheduled in 21 days.
What Sucic has shown at Inter
Sucic’s Inter record reveals a player who has been used in two distinct ways. He has made 59 appearances in total, almost evenly divided between 30 starts and 29 substitute outings.
| Role | Appearances | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 30 | 2,278 | 3 | 2 |
| Substitute | 29 | 606 | 1 | 3 |
As a starter, Sucic has naturally spent far longer on the pitch and has taken on a broader range of responsibilities. He can operate as a mezzala or deeper organiser, with more responsibility for circulation, balance and work in Inter’s own half.
When introduced during a match, he has tended to feature on the left side of central midfield and to play higher up the pitch. His pass completion in the opposition half is marginally better as a substitute, at 86.7 per cent compared with 86.1 per cent when he starts, a small indicator of his willingness to make an attacking contribution in shorter appearances.
Chivu’s faith in the Croatian
- Sucic made his first Serie A goal last season against Fiorentina.
- After that match, Chivu said the midfielder could do everything required of him, including playing in a two-man midfield.
- The Inter coach praised Sucic’s running power, his ability to cover ground, and the quality and composure he had shown.
- Chivu also highlighted the player’s work and his contribution to the team, underlining the trust placed in him despite the competition for places.
The question around Sucic is therefore not whether Inter value him, but how often he can turn that value into starts during a congested season. Croatia have already relied on him heavily this month; at club level, October may provide the next opportunity for Chivu to call upon a midfielder he sees as capable of carrying responsibility in more than one role.
