Inter Milan have already turned their attention towards Arsenal as they prepare for Champions League action, with Cristian Chivu weighing up changes against Udinese to manage a squad described as ‘tired’.
Il Giornale report that Inter are in action on Saturday afternoon, the 2pm kick-off giving them an additional few hours rest ahead of the Arsenal game on Tuesday evening at the Stadio Guiseppe Meazza, with the Champions League “looming” over selection decisions. The report said Inter face both Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund in fixtures that “will not be simple games”.
Inter travel to Udine with Denzel Dumfries (ankle) and Hakan Calhanoglu (muscular) absent, and Chivu is said to be considering giving Piotr Zielinski a rest to have him fresher for the Champions League.
Federico Dimarco is set to return, after his absence against Lecce, while the report said Luis Henrique is viewed as the closest available option to Dumfries.
Lautaro Martinez is also expected to return, with the report stating that the two halves of the “ThuLa” pairing will rotate on the bench. Marcus Thuram is expected back against Arsenal, while the progress of Pio Esposito, who is 20, was also highlighted as he continues to push for a place in Inter’s attack.
The report added Esposito has scored four goals in total so far this season, compared with 14 for Martinez, 11 for Thuram and five for Bonny.