Arturo Vidal will return to Inter’s starting XI for the Nerazzurri’s first match of 2021 against Crotone on Sunday, according to reports in Italy.

The Chilean has not started since the 3-1 win over Bologna on 5 December but is expected by FcInterNews.it. to partner Nicolo Barella and Marcelo Brozovic in midfield at San Siro.

Antonio Conte is otherwise expected to name the same line-up that started Inter’s final game of 2020 away to Hellas Verona, where they collected a seventh straight win in the league.

Inter are one point behind league leaders AC Milan as the league prepares to resume following a brief winter break.

Conte will revert to a 3-5-2 system against Giovanni Stroppa’s newly-promoted side after experimenting with a 3-4-3 formation at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.

Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez will play up front with Alexis Sanchez returning to the squad after recovering from a muscular problem.

Andrea Pinamonti and Matias Vecino are the only players unavailable for selection.

Inter’s probable starting XI vs Crotone (3-5-2): Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Hakimi, Barella, Brozovic, Vidal, Young; Lukaku, Lautaro.