Defender Francesco Acerbi is in contention for a start for Inter in Sunday’s Serie A clash away to Udinese.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, who report that the 34-year-old could keep his place in the lineup after his strong performance against Viktoria Plzen and that Stefan de Vrij or Alessandro Bastoni could be left on the bench.

One of the key objectives for Inter this summer was for the competition for places to be increased in all areas of the squad, with coach Simone Inzaghi and the directors wanting to make clear to the players that no one’s spot is to be taken for granted, and that selection will be based on merit.

In this sense, Acerbi proved that he can be not just an adequate backup option at the heart of the backline but can make a solid case to start regularly based on his performance away in Plzen in the Champions League.

The Lazio-owned defender could already be back on the pitch this weekend away in Udine, with one of de Vrij or Bastoni making way potentially.