Kristjan Asllani is the favourite to start in holding midfield for Inter Milan in tomorrow’s Serie A showdown with Juventus.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They report that the Albanian is ahead of Piotr Zielinski.
Tomorrow evening, Inter and Juventus face off for the first time this season.
The Derby d’Italia is always a showpiece occasion for Italian football. And as is so often the case, the fixture has the feel of a potential title-decider.
But both the Nerazzurri and the Bianconeri are going to have to prepare for this match without a number of key players.
For Inter, there is arguably no absence weightier than that of Hakan Calhanoglu.
The 30-year-old has become virtually irreplaceable in the holding midfield role for the Nerazzurri.
However, Calhanoglu is out with a thigh strain.
Calhanoglu’s most natural backup in the squad should be back after missing Inter’s last couple matches with injury.
Kristjan Asllani is also naturally suited to playing at the base of the midfield trio like Calhanoglu.
Kristjan Asllani The Favourite To Start For Inter Vs Juventus
In Inter’s last couple of matches Nicolo Barella has deputized for Calhanoglu. But the holding midfield role is not really the Italian international’s best position.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi turned to the Italian in the absence of other options.
But now, Asllani is fit again. He will be available to face Juventus tomorrow.
Naturally, the Derby d’Italia is a huge match for a player like Asllani to start in.
But Inter signed Asllani in 2022 because they saw him as invaluable squad depth in the holding midfield position.
And Inzaghi is ready to put his faith in the Albanian.
The Inter coach confirmed in a press conference that his intention is to give Asllani the start.
There are other options. Barella could always remain in the role, whilst Piotr Zielinski could give it a go.
But according to the Corriere, it should be Asllani who starts for Inter.