Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has given his squad the weekend off from training.

This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, who report that the Nerazzurri coach will expect his players back on Monday where he will really start ramping up preparations for the Milan derby against AC Milan after the international break.

The September international break is always a somewhat awkward time for club coaches to navigate.

Just after the season begins to gather momentum with a few matches, the players disperse and everything is paused.

Particularly at the top clubs, where most players are full internationals, coaches have to work with squads of greatly reduced size and without many of their key players.

That is certainly the case for Inzaghi. The Nerazzurri is without key starters in every position on the pitch.

In fact, there is only one player from Inter’s starting eleven for their first three Serie A matches of the season who is currently at Inzaghi’s disposal.

Former Roma and Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been in training. The Armenian has retired from his international team.

Inter Coach Simone Inzaghi Gives Squad Weekend Off – Derby Preparations Begin Monday

There have still been a few positives for Inzaghi in terms of this international break.

The coach has gotten a close look at summer arrival Davy Klaassen. The 30-year-old, who was not part of the Dutch squad for the break, has been in Inter training.

Therefore, Inzaghi has worked with former Ajax midfielder Klaassen last week.

But by and large, the week just gone was one for keeping fitness and condition up.

On Monday, however, it will be a different story.

Inzaghi aims to really start the tailored preparations for the upcoming Milan derby match. As it happens, Inter take on AC Milan right after the break.

Next week, the internationals will start filtering back to Inter training.

And Inzaghi will already have the work in preparation for facing the Rossoneri well underway by then.

But before then, the coach has granted his players a bit of time for relaxation today and tomorrow.