Matteo Darmian is still the favourite ahead of Denzel Dumfries to start for Inter Milan against Atletico Madrid tomorrow.
This according to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews.
There has only been one real doubt in the mind of Inter coach Simone Inzaghi as far as tomorrow evening’s Champions League round of sixteen first leg match.
That has been on the right flank.
There are two candidates to start: Darmian and Dumfries.
Veteran former Manchester United and Parma defender Darmian has started most of Inter’s matches in 2024.
The 34-year-old had started six matches in a row for Inter. These included wins against the likes of Lazio, Napoli, Juventus, and Roma.
Meanwhile, Dumfries came back into the starting eleven for Friday’s match against Salernitana.
The Dutchman has not been at his best physically during the start of the year. He has still been finding fitness after a couple injury absences during the first half of the season.
However, the performance against Salernitana gave a clear sign that any fitness problems are behind Dumfries.
The 27-year-old former PSV man put in an excellent performance, including scoring Inter’s third goal.
Therefore, that display from Dumfries has given Inzaghi something to think about.
Darmian Ahead Of Dumfries To Start For Inter Vs Atletico Madrid
According to Sky, however, Inzaghi still plans to go with Darmian at right-wingback.
The Italian international has continued to prove his reliability in his string of recent appearances.
And Darmian’s defensive awareness could give the veteran an edge over Dumfries.
But then, the Dutchman will certainly have every chance of coming off the bench as a second half substitution.
The display against Salernitana certainly suggests that Dumfries would be capable of making an impact.
Meanwhile, Tajon Buchanan also made his Inter debut against Salernitana.
The Canadian international could very well have a role to play at some stage against Atletico.
