Defender Francesco Acerbi will start for Inter Milan this evening against AC Milan, with Stefan de Vrij dropping to the bench.
This according to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, who report that Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi has made his decision in the heart of defense for the derby clash.
Inter coach Inzaghi has largely already made up his mind regarding which players will start in the derby.
The coach will mostly stick with the same starting eleven from the Nerazzurri’s previous three Serie A matches.
However, there has been one major doubt in the coach’s mind. The question of central defense sees too compelling options in front of Inzaghi.
On the one hand, there is Acerbi.
The veteran Italian international and former Sassuolo defender had nailed down the starting spot for much of last season, particularly in the biggest matches.
Acerbi started every single Champions League knockout match last campaign, including the final against Manchester City. The 35-year-old has also been in the starting lineup for every derby against AC Milan in 2023.
On the other, de Vrij has gotten off to a very positive start this season.
The Dutchman has started each of Inter’s three matches in the league, due to an injury to Acerbi.
Francesco Acerbi Will Start For Inter Vs AC Milan – De Vrij On The Bench
Acerbi has finally made a full recovery from the calf injury that he had picked up in preseason training.
During the international break, the 35-year-old has taken the opportunity to really build up his fitness.
Now, there are zero doubts about Acerbi’s suitability to play.
Naturally, de Vrij has done plenty in Inter’s first three matches of the season to make a case for himself to start against the Rossoneri.
But according to Sky, the Dutchman hasn’t done enough.
Acerbi will replace de Vrij at the centre of Inter’s back three, the only change Inzaghi will make to the lineup.
