Official Starting Lineups – Udinese vs Inter Milan: Piotr Zielinski & Francesco Pio Esposito Start

Sam Wilson
Francesco Pio Esposito Inter Milan

MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Francesco Pio Esposito and Piotr Zielinski start as Udinese and Inter Milan go head-to-head at the Bluenergy Stadium this afternoon. with the Nerazzurri looking to avenge their early-season defeat and protect top spot in Serie A.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 CET, as Inter continue a demanding run of fixtures just days before their Champions League clash with Arsenal.

After the narrow win over Lecce in midweek, Cristian Chivu has opted for rotation without compromising balance, trusting fresh legs while keeping key leaders on the pitch.

Udinese vs Inter – Chivu Rotates But Keeps Core Intact

MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Yann Bisseck of FC Internazionale Milano in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As expected, Inter make several changes.

Yann Bisseck, Luis Henrique, Federico Dimarco, Piotr Zielinski and Lautaro Martinez all return to the starting XI.

In defence, Manuel Akanji keeps his place in the back three, joined by Bisseck and Carlos Augusto, with Alessandro Bastoni starting on the bench.

In midfield, Chivu hands Frattesi a rare start, with Nicolò Barella operating in the regista role. Henrikh Mkhitaryan gets the nod over Petar Sucic, while Davide Frattesi starts from the bench with one eye on Europe.

Up front, Lautaro partners Francesco Pio Esposito, who is rewarded for his decisive impact against Lecce.

Udinese Adjust After Early-Season Win Over Inter

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Nicolo’ Barella of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Thomas Kristensen of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Udinese line up in a compact 3-5-1-1 system under Kosta Runjaic.

With Nicolò Zaniolo suspended and Lorenzo Lucca unavailable, the Friulani reshuffle in attack. Arthur Atta supports Keinan Davis, while Kristensen returns in defence.

The hosts rely on physicality, structure and intensity, hoping to repeat the formula that brought success at San Siro in August.

Udinese vs Inter – Official Starting Lineups – Barella, Zielinski, Esposito & Dimarco Feature

BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and FC Internazionale at New Balance Arena on December 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

UDINESE (4-4-2): Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele, Solet, Kamara; Zanoli, Piotrowski, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp; Atta; Davis
Bench: Sava, Padelli, Nunziante, Goglichidze, Ehizibue, Kamara, Rui Modesto, Zarraga, Miller, Lovric, Camara, Gueye, Bayo.
Coach: Runjaic
Suspended: Zaniolo
Unavailable: Zemura, Buksa

INTER (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Carlos Augusto; Luis Henrique, Zielinski, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Esposito, Lautaro.
Bench: Calligaris, Taho, Acerbi, De Vrij, Bastoni, Darmian, Cocchi, Bovo, Frattesi, Sucic, Diouf, Bonny, Thuram.
Coach: Cristian Chivu
Suspended: None
Unavailable: Di Gennaro, Palacios, Dumfries, Josep Martinez, Calhanoglu

Referee: Di Bello
Assistants: Bercigli, Zingarelli
Fourth official: Feliciani
VAR: Mazzoleni
AVAR: La Penna

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