Inter Milan prepare for Madrid: Chivu reshuffles squad options

Latest updates from Appiano Gentile as Inter Milan complete their final training session before flying to Madrid to face Atlético

After finishing their final training session this morning at Appiano Gentile, Inter Milan — coached by Cristian Chivu — are set to depart for Madrid, where tomorrow they will face Atlético. 

Sky Sport via Fcinter1908 reported from Appiano Gentile with insights, atmosphere updates, and early hints about the lineup expected to take the field on Wednesday evening against the Colchoneros.

With such an important match approaching, the team is working to lift the mood. A light-hearted moment during training highlighted the group’s spirit: Lautaro kicked over a hurdle in frustration, prompting teammates to tease him with comments like “you’re nervous” and “levantarse e seguir” — mirroring the phrase he posted on Instagram to diffuse tension.

Chivu’s choices and rotation possibilities

It was only a pre-match training session ahead of Atlético, and Chivu mixed things up without testing a fixed lineup. 

Changes are expected: in attack, Thuram could start from the bench, with one of Bonny or Pio partnering Lautaro. In defense, De Vrij may step in for Acerbi.

On the right, it remains to be seen whether Carlos Augusto will be confirmed or if Luis Henrique will start; he is expected to feature from the first minute either tomorrow or in the next match against Pisa. 

Carlos Augusto is crucial on the left, allowing either Bastoni or Dimarco to rest. Zielinski and Frattesi are also hoping to earn a starting spot.

Inter Milan aim for a victory that would strongly steer their qualification path. Winning tomorrow and gaining further ground would be extremely significant.

Injury updates

As for Dumfries, more patience is required. He may return between the Liverpool and Genoa fixtures, before the Supercoppa. He is expected to need at least 15 more days, depending on pain levels in his ankle. What initially appeared to be a minor issue turned out to be more serious. He will not be available against Atlético, Pisa, or Venezia.

A positive note: Mkhitaryan trained on the pitch, signaling the final phase of his recovery. He could rejoin full team training by the end of the week, depending on his condition and Chivu’s evaluation.