Late line-up surprise for Inter Milan ahead of Arsenal clash

Chivu changes his mind at the last minute, Acerbi starts in central defence

There is a major last-minute line-up surprise for Inter Milan, who host Arsenal tonight at San Siro in matchday seven of the Champions League league phase.

According to Sky Sport via Fcinter1908, Cristian Chivu has decided to overturn the pre-match expectations by starting Francesco Acerbi at the heart of the defence, despite Yann Bisseck having been widely tipped to feature from the first minute.

Experience over prediction as Chivu reshuffles his back three

The former Lazio defender will operate centrally in front of Yann Sommer, with Akanji shifted to the right side of the defensive trio and Bastoni completing the line on the left.

Aside from this key adjustment, the rest of the Milan line-up follows the indications that had emerged over the past few hours, with Chivu opting for continuity across the pitch in a high-stakes European encounter.

Inter Milan line-up (3-5-2):
Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Sucic, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro Martínez.

With kick-off approaching and San Siro set to provide the backdrop, Inter Milan’s late defensive switch adds another layer of intrigue to a Champions League night already rich in tension, ambition and European prestige.