Derby against Milan: Martinez in goal, Esposito and Thuram in attack

The derby is approaching and Inter still has to deal with a crowded infirmary. Lautaro Martinez will return only after the break, as expected, while hopes of recovering Curtis Jones, John Stones, and Benjamin Pavard have faded: the three are aiming to be available between the match against Feyenoord on November 3 and the one against Como on November 8.

One of the main tactical dilemmas for Chivu concerns Carlos Augusto, fresh from being called up by Carlo Ancelotti with the Seleção. The Brazilian could play as the third defender on the left, with Alessandro Bastoni confirmed in the center, or he could replace Federico Dimarco on the wing. The Italian winger has so far appeared the least brilliant among the Nerazzurri starters, but giving up his left foot is not an easy choice for the coach.

In goal, Pepo Martinez will return after Ivan Provedel‘s good performance in Venice. Up front, the favored pair is Pio Esposito and Marcus Thuram: the Italian striker has recovered from the flu that forced him to start from the bench in the last match at the Penzo.

For Chivu, this is also a significant challenge on a personal level: the Nerazzurri coach is still searching for his first derby win as a manager.