Inter Milan faces Torino without key midfielders for Serie A opener

Cristian Chivu must find alternatives as Calhanoglu and Pio Esposito are suspended for the first match of the season

Inter Milan will take the field on Monday evening against Torino for their Serie A debut. 

Cristian Chivu will have to navigate the match without Hakan Calhanoglu and Pio Esposito, both suspended for the opening game.

“Calha will not play. He hasn’t left Inter Milan, but he is suspended—just like Pio Esposito—for Monday night’s season opener against Torino. 

Cristian Chivu now needs to find an alternative to the Turkish midfielder right from the first match. While Calhanoglu’s qualities are truly unique, Inter Milan this season offers the Romanian coach several options to choose from,” Tuttosport via Fcinter1908 reports.

The most likely candidate to control the midfield is Petar Sucic. The 21-year-old has impressed during preseason and is expected to start on Monday evening. 

If Sucic does not play in the deep-lying playmaker role, which he is favored for now that Asllani has departed, he could operate as a mezzala—a box-to-box midfielder—a position where he has shown competence during both the Club World Cup and preseason games.

In this scenario, Nicolo Barella could take on the role in front of the defense, a position he has successfully played in the past. 

The midfield trio is almost certain, barring unexpected changes: Barella, Sucic, and Mkhitaryan, all more than just likely starters.

Midfield adjustments key for Inter Milan against Torino

Another tactical option for Chivu could be a shift to a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mkhitaryan pushed forward as a creative attacking midfielder behind the main striker. The coach still has the last few training sessions to finalize his plan.

Meanwhile, Carlos Augusto has returned to group training and is expected to be on the bench, while Davide Frattesi has rejoined the team as well. 

It is unlikely that Frattesi will be available for Monday, as it is his first session back with the squad, but a final decision on his inclusion will be made in the coming days.

With multiple midfield options and tactical flexibility, Inter Milan aims to maintain control in the opening match, despite the absence of key players. Fans can expect Chivu to carefully balance experience and youth to ensure a strong start to the season.