Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi could play midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu in a more advanced role behind Edin Dzeko in Saturday’s clash with Lazio should Lautaro Martinez not be ready to start.
This according to Italian Broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, who report that the Nerazzurri coach could utilize the Turkish midfielder as a Plan B in attack should Martinez be unavailable.
Inzaghi has something of a selection headache in attack for the trip to face the Bianconeri, with only Dzeko a certainty to start if fit.
Martinez will be the player who the coach would most wish to start, but the Argentine will be returning from international duty at the eleventh hour and may be tired or not at his best, while fellow attackers Joaquin Correa and Alexis Sanchez will also be returning late from South America.
In the Nerazzurri’s Serie A opener against Genoa, Stefano Sensi was used as an attacking midfielder behind Dzeko from the start with Martinez suspended, but the 25-year-old is unlikely to be available for the Lazio clash.
However, the coach could try a similar idea with Calhanoglu in Saturday’s match, and could use the Turkish midfielder’s talents in a Number Ten role playing behind Dzeko who would lead the line.
Roberto Gagliardini would then be likely to come into midfield in place of Calhanoglu, with Matias Vecino unlikely to be available for the match as he is also a late-returning South American.
