Optimism is growing that midfelder Marcelo Brozovic will be fit enough to start for Inter in next week’s Serie A clash with Napoli.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the 30-year-old is rapidly getting close to full match-fitness.

Given that Brozovic’s Croatian national team reached the semifinal stage of the World Cup, playing two extra-time period along the way, there were doubts about whether the midfielder would be fit to start against the Partenopei.

However, Brozovic returned early from his post-World Cup vacation to have extra time on the training pitch.

The 30-year-old’s thigh flexor muscles have been closely monitored by the club’s medical staff to determine whether there is a risk of reinjury.

According to the Gazzetta, signs are positive.

Brozovic will have just under a week to work until the match against Napoli, and the Croat stands a good chance of being fit and match-sharp, in which case he would likely start.