Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij could be in line to make his return to the starting formation against Monza.
According to Sky Sport Italia via FcInterNews, the Nerazzurri held their final training session on Friday afternoon before making the short trip to Brianza where they’ll take on the Biancorossi on Saturday night.
As the source tells it, Simone Inzaghi has now made his choices regarding the personnel, but de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi are still vying for a spot at the heart of the backline.
The Italian veteran has been the manager’s preferred option since last season. However. he’s coming off a shaky display against Hellas Verona. Thomas Henry beat him to the ball on the equalizer.
The report considers the Dutchman as the favorite to get the nod this weekend. This would be his first appearance since the 3rd of December when he left the pitch injured against Napoli.
Although he’s been available for selection in recent weeks, Inzaghi had kept him on the bench.
Sky also expects Benjamin Pavard and Alessandro Bastoni to join de Vrij in the back three.
Stefan De Vrij To Marshal The Backline For Inter Milan Against Monza
Federico Dimarco should make his return to the starting lineup, thus dropping Carlos Augusto to the bench.
On the right flank, Matteo Darmian has apparently won the duel over Denzel Dumfries.
Hakan Calhanoglu will operate as a deep-lying playmaker, joined by Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in midfield, while Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram lead the line.
Finally, Tajon Buchanan should earn his maiden call-up after proving his fitness in training. He will thus start on the bench and could make his Serie A debut.
Inter Milan Probable XI (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro Martinez.