Hakan Calhanoglu stayed on the bench as Kristjan Asllani started last night’s Champions League match between Feyenoord and Inter Milan.

According to TMW, the 22-year-old made the Turkish superstar’s absence ‘go unnoticed.’

Simone Inzaghi has only used Asllani on a handful of occasions this season.

Indeed, he has spent most of the campaign on the bench, waiting for his chance to prove himself to the Nerazzurri hierarchy.

However, it’s worth noting that his performances, though sporadic, often failed to impress.

Last night, Asllani flipped that script.

Kristjan Asllani Proves Decent Replacement for Hakan Calhanoglu in Inter Milan Win vs Feyenoord

Asllani put on an energetic performance at De Kuip.

His passes were sharp and well-timed, while his pressure off the ball was relentless.

Kristjan Asllani Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 19: Kristjan Asllani of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Empoli FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 19, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Therefore, it’s fair to say he met expectations in one of Inter’s most significant matches in 2025.

With the Monza game awaiting the Nerazzurri this weekend, Asllani could stake his claim for a rare Serie A start.

Indeed, Hakan Calhanoglu isn’t fully fit yet.

On that basis, Inzaghi could include the Albania international in his starting line-up for the second consecutive match.