Marcus Thuram is likely to make his first ever start in Serie A in Inter Milan’s sesaon opener against Monza.

This according to Italian news outlet Gazzetta.it, who predict that the 26-year-old French international will be in the starting eleven on Saturday as the Nerazzurri kick off their league campaign by hosting the Brianzoli.

Thuram made the switch to Inter this summer, joining on a free transfer.

The Frenchman had quite a few suitors. The fact that his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach had run out made him one of the highest-profile free transfer opportunities of the transfer window.

And one thing that no one would accuse Inter of being under the direction of Beppe Marotta is blind to the chance to sign a player of quality without paying a transfer fee.

Therefore, after a long transfer pursuit that had in fact begun two years ago, the Nerazzurri got their man.

Thuram, who appeared in the World Cup final for France, has high expectations on his shoulders.

And the 26-year-old won’t have to wait long to start trying to live up to them.

Thuram To Star Vs Monza – Frattesi & Cuadrado On The Bench

Given that Inter will likely have made a double-digit number of signings by the time the summer transfer window is over, a big question will be how much of a role the new signings will play, particularly early on in the season.

According to the Gazzetta, Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi will largely go with a fairly established starting eleven on Saturday.

This will mean there’s no place for Davide Frattesi or Juan Cuadrado. The Gazzetta anticipate that Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Denzel Dumfries will start.

However, two new arrivals will already get their first Serie A start.

One is Yann Sommer. That’s not in much doubt.

The fact that all three goalkeepers from last season departed means that Inzaghi has no choice but to start a debutant between the posts.

And in attack, the Gazzetta predicts, Thuram will start. He will likely lead the line alongside Lautaro Martinez, who is now captain.

There will likely be Marko Arnautovic and Joaquin Correa at Inzaghi’s disposal as well.

But those two will at most be options from the bench. Thuram will get the nod from the first whistle.