Inter Milan get Lautaro back just in time for Juve clash

Cristian Chivu finally has a full squad to prepare the showdown

Inter Milan fans can breathe a sigh of relief: Lautaro Martinez is finally back. Cristian Chivu will have his captain at Appiano Gentile today, giving him a full squad just in time to prepare for Saturday’s blockbuster clash against Juventus.

The comeback, which began on Tuesday, will be complete this afternoon when Lautaro rejoins the group. 

The Nerazzurri boss now has only a couple of training sessions to fine-tune his team before the showdown at the Stadium, but he already has a clear tactical plan in mind: the 3-5-2 formation used in the opening Serie A games is set to remain.

Akanji or Bisseck? Mkhitaryan or Sucic? Chivu faces big calls

Two key selection dilemmas remain. The first is in defense: should Chivu throw Manuel Akanji straight into the starting lineup? The Swiss defender, fresh off impressive international performances against Kosovo and Slovenia (including a goal), trained with his new teammates for the first time yesterday. 

The alternative is Yann Bisseck, who struggled in the defeat against Udinese but already understands the system.

The second big decision comes in midfield. With Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu untouchable, the final spot will be contested by Luka Sucic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. 

The Croatian disappointed on the left against Udinese after shining on the right versus Torino, while Mkhitaryan has remained sharp during the break by training at Appiano.

And then there’s the calendar: Chivu knows he must rotate wisely. 

After Juventus, Inter Milan will head to Amsterdam on September 17 for their Champions League opener against Ajax, before facing Sassuolo at San Siro on the 21st.

Lautaro’s return is the spark Inter Milan needed — but will it be enough to overcome their bitter rivals?

Source: Fcinter1908