AC Milan vs Inter Milan: official lineups for the Derby

Chivu starts Bonny–Esposito up front as Thuram misses out

Cristian Chivu has confirmed the starting XI for Inter Milan ahead of the derby against AC Milan, a clash valid for the 28th round of the 2025/26 Serie A season.

The Nerazzurri coach has made several notable choices, particularly in attack, where injuries and illness have forced changes.

Bonny and Pio Esposito lead the attack

For the first time this season, Inter Milan will start with the attacking duo of Ange-Yoan Bonny and Francesco Pio Esposito.

Marcus Thuram is not even on the bench due to fever, while captain Lautaro Martinez remains sidelined with injury.

Midfield choices and defensive setup

In midfield, Chivu has opted for Piotr Zielinski as the deep-lying playmaker. Alongside him will be Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan as the two mezzali.

Hakan Calhanoglu will start from the bench.

On the flanks, Chivu confirms Luis Henrique on the right and Federico Dimarco on the left.

Defensively, the back three will feature Yann Bisseck and Alessandro Bastoni as wide center-backs, with Manuel Akanji in the middle protecting goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Official Lineups

AC Milan (3-5-2)

Mike Maignan;
Fikayo Tomori, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic;
Alexis Saelemaekers, Youssouf Fofana, Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan;
Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao.

Coach: Massimiliano Allegri

Inter Milan (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer;
Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji, Alessandro Bastoni;
Luis Henrique, Nicolo Barella, Piotr Zielinski, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco;
Francesco Pio Esposito, Ange-Yoan Bonny.

Coach: Cristian Chivu

Source: Fcinter1908