Cristian Chivu is placing the final touches on Inter Milan’s preparations for the Coppa Italia final against Lazio, but the question remains if Marcus Thuram will be in the starting lineup.
Inter Milan Eyeing the Domestic Double
The Nerazzurri already clinched the Scudetto title, but they remain determined to consolidate their status as the most dominant force in Italian football by completing their first domestic double since 2010. On Wednesday, they’ll have the opportunity to do so by overcoming Lazio, whom they have already beaten twice this season, the latest on Saturday.
The Backline & Wing-backs
Josep Martinez is the designated cup goalkeeper, so Yann Sommer will start on the bench. The backline should be constituted of Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji, and Alessandro Bastoni. Therefore, former Lazio defenders Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij will settle for spots on the bench.
Expected Lazio Lineup for Coppa Italia Final: Sarri Has Regista Dilemma
Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco are the obvious choices for the wing-back slots. Carlos Augusto, Luis Henrique, and Andy Diouf remain backup options.
Petar Sucic is the Favorite in Midfield
With Hakan Calhanoglu failing to recover in time, Piotr Zielinski will operate as a deep-lying playmaker. Nicolo Barella remains an undisputed starter, while Petar Sucic is considered the favorite ahead of Henrikh Mkhitaryan for the second box-to-box role.
Marcus Thuram Makes Speedy Recovery
Thuram had an injury scare in Monday’s training session, but he was already back on the field by Tuesday. In his pre-match press conference, Chivu revealed that the Frenchman’s condition will be closely monitored throughout the day before making a final decision on the matter.
If the 28-year-old is fit enough to start, he will link up with Inter captain Lautaro Martinez up front. Otherwise, either Francesco Pio Esposito should be the next in line, with Ange-Yoan Bonny the alternative option.
Inter Milan Probable Lineup Against Lazio
Inter XI (3-5-2): Martinez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Zielinski, Sucic, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro.
Bench: Sommer, Di Gennaro, Acerbi, De Vrij, Darmian, Carlos Augusto, Cocchi, Luis Henrique, Mkhitaryan, Frattesi, Diouf, Bonny, Esposito, Mosconi.
Suspended: None.
Injured: Calhanoglu
