Inter Milan open pre-season with new faces and uncertain futures
Chivu welcomed his squad back to Appiano Gentile as Inter Milan began preparations for the new season, with young talents eager to impress and several players facing uncertain futures
Inter Milan have officially begun pre-season training at Appiano Gentile as Cristian Chivu starts preparing his squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
Several senior players remain unavailable due to their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup, leaving a core group of experienced Italian internationals to lead the opening days of training.
Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolò Barella and Federico Dimarco are among those reporting for duty, while veteran defenders Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian are no longer part of the squad.
New signing Ivan Provedel also begins life as an Inter Milan player, becoming the club's first arrival of the summer transfer window.
Young midfielders ready to impress Chivu
Among the players attracting attention are Aleksandar Stanković and Yanis Massolin.
Massolin, who joined Inter Milan earlier this year, is expected to be assessed during pre-season before the club decides whether another loan or a permanent move would be the best option for his development.
Stanković's situation is very different.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cristian Chivu has complete confidence in the 20-year-old midfielder after following his progress throughout the academy.
Following his return from a successful loan spell at Club Brugge, Stanković is expected to remain with the first team and compete for regular minutes in midfield throughout the season.
The Serbian youngster now faces the challenge of earning a permanent place in Chivu's rotation.
Several players could leave Inter Milan
While some players are fighting for opportunities, others appear increasingly likely to leave before the transfer window closes.
Kristjan Asllani is no longer considered part of Inter Milan's long-term plans and continues searching for a new club.
Benjamin Pavard also faces an uncertain future. After returning from his loan spell at Marseille, the French defender completed medical assessments but is widely expected to move again, with reports suggesting he is hoping for an opportunity in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Davide Frattesi is another player whose future remains unresolved. Although a departure had been expected earlier in the summer, no agreement has yet been reached with another club, leaving the midfielder in limbo as pre-season begins.
With preparations now underway, Chivu will use the coming weeks not only to improve the squad's fitness but also to evaluate young talent and determine which players will form the core of Inter Milan's squad for the new campaign.
Source: Fcinter1908