Ivan Perisic has surprised Antonio Conte since returning to Inter with his tactical versatility, according to an Italian media report today.

The Croatian international returned from a season-long loan at Bayern Munich last summer and has made 20 appearances for the Nerazzurri in all competitions this season.

He has played mostly as a left wing-back, but against Hellas Verona he started in an experimental front three and he has also replaced Romelu Lukaku in Conte’s two-man attack against Parma and Real Madrid, scoring in a 3-2 defeat against Los Blancos in Madrid.

The 31-year-old could partner Lautaro Martinez up front again tomorrow when Inter play Sampdoria, with Alexis Sanchez still not fully fit.

Lukaku is expected to start on the bench at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris after picking up a minor thigh injury in Sunday’s win against Crotone.

Tests have since ruled out a serious muscle tear, but Conte does not want to risk aggravating the problem ahead of upcoming matches against Roma and Juventus.