This is an Inter Milan predicted lineup for their Club World Cup opener with Liga MX side Monterrey. The Nerazzurri come off the back of an embarrassing defeat in the Champions League final at the hands of PSG. In their first game since the agonising loss in Munich, many changes will come, especially given the appointment of Christian Chivu.
Inter Milan Predicted Lineup vs Monterrey for Club World Cup Opener
How Inter Milan Have Lined Up Recently
In terms of the starting eleven, Yann Sommer remained the first-choice keeper. Simone Inzaghi rotated centre-backs throughout, but Alessandro Bastoni was a constant as he played over 50 games. Wing-Backs Denzel Dumfries and Federico DiMarco then provided width, and attacked rigorously off the flanks.
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The Italian coach also opted for a three in midfield. Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were the first-choice options, as the trio all started over 45 games. Meanwhile, Davide Frattesi, Kristjan Asllani and Piotr Zielinski all played roles in and around the squad. Moreover, centre forward options, Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, often lead the line as a duo. Whilst the club also relied upon other options like Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic during the gruelling season.
Inter Recent Form and Tactics
Throughout the 2024/25 campaign, Inzaghi set up with his trusted three-at-the-back formation. His ageing squad was able to reach the Champions League Final, but the way it ended epitomised his side’s season. They lost the Supercoppa final to rivals A.C. Milan, and suffered a similar fate in the Coppa Italia semi-final. To add to the club’s shortcomings, they also failed to retain the Scudetto as Antonio Conte’s Napoli finished with one more point.
Tactically, Inzaghi’s system was a key part in their success, especially given the players at his disposal. Rotations and fluidity were both major aspects of his side’s, as players moved into space rather than structure. Therefore, this allowed him to best utilise players like Bastoni, who were comfortable with making crosses from the edge of the box. Similarly, the likes of Barella and Calhanoglu even dropped into the backline and received from the keeper during build-up.
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However, Chivu’s arrival from Parma suggests change is coming. Despite the 44-year-old being chosen due to his intentions to play with a back three, the functionality of this system will be different. For example, Chivu expects midfielders on the other side to have more of a license to get forward. In addition to this, wingbacks are reportedly going to have more opportunity to play centrally, whilst the centre-forwards may be tweaked as the manager uses the second striker role, as opposed to the duo interchanging.
As a result of this, we could see changes and chances for new players. Davide Frattesi exemplifies this, although rumours link him with a move to Napoli. Furthermore, younger talents like the Esposito brothers and Petar Sucic may also get a chance.
Inter Milan Injuries to Consider
As for injuries, Inter will be missing some key players. Calhanoglu, Zielinski and Taremi will all be missing out on the opener for separate reasons. In addition to this, it has also been confirmed that Dumfries is sidelined due to muscular issues.
Inter Milan Predicted Lineup vs Monterrey
This will be an interesting one for Chivu; he will likely try to keep some of the key names in the Inzaghi era, whilst balancing it with younger options. Players like Bastoni or Barella, who played significant minutes, may be dropped to give others a chance to be assed by their new coach.
GK – Sommer
RCB – Pavard
CCB – Acerbi
LCB – Bastoni
RM – Zalewski
LCM – Barella
CM – Mkhitaryan
RCM – Sucic
LM – Dimarco
ST – Thuram
ST – Martinez
