Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram is gearing up for his first ever Milan derby – meanwhile several new summer signings could be wild cards.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, highlight the significance of the Nerazzurri’s summer arrivals ahead of the derby.
After a very busy summer – Inter signed twelve different players – only a couple new arrivals have made instant impacts in the Nerazzurri’s starting eleven.
Goalkeeper Yann Sommer has come in and kept three clean sheets right off the bat.
But the player who’s really laid down a marker has been striker Thuram.
The Frenchman came with big expectations on his shoulders. Inter had beaten a slew of clubs including city rivals AC Milan to sign him on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach.
But early on in the season, those expectations haven’t appeared to be a problem for Thuram.
The 26-year-old has already notched a goal and an assist in Serie A.
Marcus Thuram Ready To Face First Milan Derby
So far, Thuram has started against the likes of Monza, Cagliari, and Fiorentina.
The 26-year-old has begun to get acclimated to life in Serie A. But he hasn’t faced anything like the derby yet.
The head-to-head match against the Rossoneri can be a real trial by fire for Inter players.
And the fact that this derby already looks as though it could have major Serie A title implications means that the significance – and the pressure – are all the higher.
Thuram has already announced himself as an Inter player with his first three Serie A matches.
But how the Frenchman performs in the derby could go a ways to really defining the tone of his early Nerazzurri career.
Meanwhile, the Gazzetta notes, there will be other summer signings hoping to be Inter’s “wild cards” against the Rossoneri.
So far players like Davide Frattesi, Marko Arnautovic, and Juan Cuadrado have only featured in cameo appearances. And that is likely to remain the case against Milan, as none are favourites to start by any means.
But all three could really announce themselves if they make an impact from the bench.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Pavard and Davy Klaassen have not yet played a minute in an Inter shirt.
But both of the duo could have a chance to go straight into the frying pan against Milan. And a memorable debut cannot be ruled out for either.