Among the main formation doubts ahead of Inter-Venezia, the Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi must certainly resolve the one related to the playmaker. Hakan Calhanoglu is expected to return to the squad, but he will start from the bench and is therefore set to miss his fourth consecutive game from the first minute, after those against Young Boys, Juventus and Empoli.
Inzaghi has experimented a lot in these games, also given the concurrent absence of Kristjan Asllani, called up in the last two matches but not in the best conditon due to a lateral sprain. Therefore, in that role, different midfielder have alternated and the same could happen tomorrow. The coach has to choose between four options:
BARELLA – The Sardinian was the first to take Calhanoglu’s place, putting himself at the centre of the midfield during the match in which the Turk got injured, against Roma. He played the same position against the Young Boys, returned as a midfielder with Juventus and then again as a playmaker at Empoli, but moved back during the first half on Inzaghi’s specific instruction.
MKHITARYAN – This brings us directly to the Armenian, who in Tuscany played as a playmaker for most of the match, getting by decently thanks also to the numerical advantage. Tomorrow against Venezia he could be used again in that position, also covered during last season at Roma with Mourinho.
ZIELINSKI – Among the adapted midfielders, he is the one who seems more comfortable in the central position during the build-up, where he played in Inter-Juventus. Less good in the defensive phase: the goal by Vlahovic with the Pole not closing on McKennie is emblematic. Having started from the bench at Empoli, he is vying for a starting position for tomorrow. But in what role?
ASLLANI – After the training knock incurred before Roma-Inter, which turned out to be more serious than expected, the Albanian was called up again against Juventus and Empoli, taking to the field in the warm-up with a conspicuous brace. Inzaghi was clear: Only in case of emergency. The possible progress of the last few days needs to be checked: if the knee pain has eased, he could even start.
