Frattesi seeks opportunity in Inter Milan’s midfield

The midfielder hopes to earn more playing time under Cristian Chivu after a slow start to the season

With Simone Inzaghi’s departure, Davide Frattesi hoped to find more opportunities at Inter Milan. 

Instead, the midfielder has faced the same doubts and uncertainties that marked his last two seasons with the club. 

So far, he has logged only 72 minutes on the pitch, partly due to a delayed conditioning caused by a hernia operation on July 10, which inevitably affected his preparation.

"Mister, do you really believe in me?" may have run through Frattesi’s mind countless times over the past weeks, as Tuttosport via Fcinter1908 reports. 

The midfielder has lived the last two years as a backup with mixed emotions: motivated in the first year, frustrated in the second, as the playing time he expected did not materialize.

When Chivu arrived, he spoke to Frattesi, explaining that he saw him as central to his project, envisioning a short-term 3-4-2-1 system that would highlight his attacking qualities. However, the first two months of the season have convinced Chivu that the team is not yet ready to abandon the beloved 3-5-2 formation.

Frattesi risks seeing limited minutes again, with Barella and Mkhitaryan as fixed points, Sucic increasingly becoming a starter, and Chivu appreciating Zielinski’s qualities. 

He was supposed to feature briefly against Slavia Prague but was sidelined by stomach issues. Now, he hopes to finally earn a starting spot against Cremonese.

Chivu opted for Zielinski and Sucic as central midfielders in the Champions League match on Tuesday, adding Barella later in the second half. 

With Calhanoglu recovering from a knee issue, there might be a chance for Frattesi if Chivu chooses Barella as a deep-lying playmaker. 

Challenges and opportunities in the midfield

Frattesi’s patience and determination will be tested as he seeks to secure consistent playing time. His ability to adapt to Chivu’s tactics and compete with established stars will be crucial for his future at Inter Milan.