Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu is reportedly considering several lineup changes for the upcoming clash against Atletico Madrid.
According to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old plans to rest star striker Marcus Thuram.
Despite the significance of Wednesday’s match at the Metropolitano Stadium, Chivu is open to benching Thuram.
Indeed, the French striker made his first Serie A start since mid-September in Sunday’s Milan derby.
Though he was one of Inter’s best players on the pitch, Chivu is reluctant to risk aggravating the 28-year-old’s fitness condition.
Cristian Chivu Contemplates Triple Starting XI Change for Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan Clash
With Thuram set to drop to the bench, it will be up to either Ange-Yoan Bonny or Francesco Pio Esposito to fill the vacancy.
Furthermore, Lautaro Martinez is likely to retain his spot in the starting lineup despite his lackluster performance last weekend.
Meanwhile, Stefan de Vrij could take Francesco Acerbi’s place in defense and slot in alongside Alessandro Bastoni and Manuel Akanji.
Couple things. I would like to see Pio start, I think his physicality will be useful against Athletico.
For the defense, it prob will never happen, but for crucial matches I would like to see Bastoni in the centre, LCB Augusto, RCB Akanji. I wouldn’t push for this because Bastoni is so great in his position that I wouldn’t want to mess with it but at the same time I think this would really work.