Juan Cuadrado and Davide Frattesi could start for Inter Milan in their Serie A opener against Monza this weekend.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that neither of the new signings are favourites to start on Saturday but that they still have a very good chance to do so.
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.
The coach will select his first competitive starting eleven of the campaign on Saturday.
Inter will first kick a ball in anger against the Brianzoli.
And according to the Gazzetta, Inzaghi still has a few selection doubts left.
One of these concerns the heart of the defense. Francesco Acerbi’s fitness is still a doubt, and so the veteran may not start against Monza.
If Acerbi is out, or not entirely match-fit, then Stefan de Vrij will start in the centre of Inter’s back three.
Cuadrado & Frattesi Have A Chance Of Starting For Inter Vs Monza
In terms of new signings, there is little doubt that Yann Sommer and Marcus Thuram will start on Saturday.
Cuadrado and Frattesi, on the other hand, are not favourites. However, the Gazzetta reports, both are still candidates.
The newspaper describes the race to start on the right flank and in midfield respectively as “55-45%” in favour of the established players in the squad.
At right-wingback, Denzel Dumfries is favourite to start ahead of summer arrival Cuadrado.
And in midfielder, former Roma and Arsenal man Henrikh Mkhitaryan is still the player who the Gazzetta anticipate will start.
However, the newspaper notes, both of the new arrivals will already be pushing to stake their claim in the starting eleven. And a start for either cannot be ruled out.
