Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has decided to play Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries on the wings against AC Milan. This evening’s Serie A matchday 5 derby game kicks off at 20:45 CET.
Today, Inter will play the first of two derby matches against AC Milan in Serie A this season.
The derby is always a highlight in Italian football, regardless of the league table.
In addition, Inter has the opportunity to send a clear message early on in the fight to defend its Serie A title.
That’s why Inter coach Simone Inzaghi sent a strong starting eleven into the race.
Firstly, Yann Sommer retains his place in goal after starting every game so far this season.
There is one change in defence compared to the team that drew away against Manchester City on Wednesday.
Benjamin Pavard replaces Yann Bisseck. The Frenchman completes the three-man defense alongside Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi.
Dimarco and Dumfries start as full-backs
In midfield, Inzaghi relies on the trio Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolo Barella.
Against City, Piotr Zielinski started alongside Calhanoglu and Barella; this time Mkhitaryan completes the trio.
Inzaghi then freshened up his team on the wings compared to the lineup against City.
First, Federico Dimarco is back. The Italian international missed the game against City due to injury, but is fit again and is immediately back in the starting line-up.
In addition, Denzel Dumfries celebrates his first start of the season on the right side.
Therefore, Matteo Darmian sits on the bench for the first time this season.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez starts in attack alongside Marcus Thuram.
Against City, Mehdi Taremi started alongside Thuram due to concerns over Martinez’s fitness and form.
However, the captain is back in the squad for the derby.
In terms of injuries, Inter are only missing Tajon Buchanan, who is still working on his recovery after suffering a serious leg fracture in the summer.
Official starting lineups: Inter Milan vs AC Milan
Inter (3-5-2): Yann Sommer; Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martinez.
Substitute: Josep Martinez, Raffaele Di Gennaro, Stefan de Vrij, Yann Bisseck, Tomas Palacios, Matteo Darmian, Carlos Augusto, Kristjan Asllani, Davide Frattesi, Piotr Zielinski, Joaquin Correa, Marko Arnautovic, Mehdi Taremi.
Trainer: Simone Inzaghi.
Exposed: no one.
Injured and unavailable: Tajon Buchanan.
Milan (4-4-1-1): Maignan; Emerson Royal, Tomori, Gabbia, Theo Hernandez; Pulisic, Fofana, Reijnders, Leao; Morata; Abraham.
Substitute: Torriani, Nava, Pavlovic, Thiaw, Terracciano, Bartesaghi, Musah, Zeroli, Loftus-Cheek, Chukwueze, Okafor, Jovic.
Trainer: Fonseca.
Exposed: no one.
Injured and unavailable: Florenzi, Bennacer, Sportiello, Calabria.
Referee: Mariani.
Assistant referees: Bindoni and Tegoni.
Fourth Official: Ayroldi.
VAR: Di Paolo and Paterna.
