As the San Siro prepares for a high-stakes Easter Sunday battle, Inter Milan boss Christian Chivu has received some timely “festive cheer” from the medical department. Heading into a must-win fixture against AS Roma, the Nerazzurri find themselves in remarkably good health, with nearly a full-strength squad ready to maintain their Scudetto charge.
Minimal Absentees for Chivu
While most managers dread the fallout of an international break, Inter has emerged relatively unscathed. The only definitive absences for the Giallorossi’s visit are Yann Bisseck and Carlos Augusto.
- Yann Bisseck: The German defender remains in the recovery room at Appiano Gentile. It is a frustrating setback for the youngster, who was beginning to find a consistent rhythm before the injury.
- Carlos Augusto: The Brazilian wing-back will be watching from the stands as he serves a one-match suspension.
On a brighter note, the veteran presence of Henrikh Mkhitaryan is expected back in the squad. After training with the first team in recent days, the Armenian playmaker is slated for a spot on the bench, offering Chivu a tactical “ace up his sleeve” for the second half.
The Return of “ThuLa”
Perhaps the most significant news for the Inter faithful is the long-awaited reunion of the Thuram-Lautaro (ThuLa) partnership.
Lautaro Martinez is set to make his first start since a calf injury sidelined the captain. This marks the first time he and Marcus Thuram will lead the line together since February. Their chemistry has been the cornerstone of Inter’s attacking prowess this season, and their return couldn’t be more ideally timed.
Selection Dilemmas in Defense
While most of the starting eleven appears set, one final decision remains for Chivu in the heart of the back three. With Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni locked in, the central slot is a toss-up between the experience of Francesco Acerbi and the technical reliability of Stefan de Vrij.
Predicted Inter XI (3-5-2)
- Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
- Defense: Akanji, Acerbi (or De Vrij), Bastoni
- Midfield: Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco
- Attack: Thuram, Lautaro Martinez
Match Outlook: With a nearly full squad and the return of their talismanic captain, Inter enters this clash as clear favorites. However, against a Roma side fighting for European positioning, Chivu’s men will need every bit of that squad depth to secure all three points.
You might also like
More from Serie A
Inter Milan: Cristian Chivu Set for Contract Extension Following Historic Scudetto Triumph
Inter Milan has officially secured the 2025-26 Serie A title, marking the 21st Scudetto in the club’s illustrious history. With …
Inter Milan vs Parma | Player Prop Bets Analysis (May 3, 2026)
Inter Milan host Parma at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 3, 2026, in what could be the most emotionally …
Lecce vs Pisa: Strategic Betting Analysis and Prediction
The upcoming clash between Lecce and Pisa at the Stadio Via del Mare is a pivotal encounter for both sides. …
Cagliari vs Atalanta Prediction, Betting Tips & Full Match Analysis Serie A Matchday 34 (27 April 2026)
Date: Monday, 27 April 2026 | Kick-off: 18:30 CEST | Venue: Unipol Domus, Cagliari | Competition: Serie A, Matchday 34 Where …
AC Milan vs Juventus: Serie A Betting Analysis and Expert Predictions
The San Siro prepares for one of the most iconic fixtures in world football as AC Milan hosts Juventus in …
Parma vs Pisa: Serie A Relegation Survival Battle Analysis (25/04/2026)
The Stadio Ennio Tardini prepares for a high-stakes Saturday afternoon clash as Parma hosts a struggling Pisa in Matchday 34 …
