Inter coach Simone Inzaghi is considering his options to replace the injured Stefan de Vrij in defense for Sunday’s Serie A clash with Napoli, with Andrea Ranocchia the likeliest option to fill in.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, who report that the coach could also move Alessandro Bastoni into the centre of defense and play Federico Dimarco on the left.
De Vrij came off injured late in the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifier against Montenegro on Saturday, and tests revealed that he had picked up a muscle strain, which will rule him out of the massive head-to-head with the Partenopei.
Ranocchia has already started once for the Nerazzurri this campaign, putting in a solid shift against Empoli, and he could be called into action once again to deputize for the Dutchman.
However, the 33-year-old’s lack of pace could be a concern against Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, and Inzaghi could seek alternative solutions.
Bastoni could also be moved into the central slot in the back three, and would constitute a more dynamic option to mark Osimhen, in which case Dimarco would play on the left of the trio as he has already done this season.