Cristian Chivu still has a key midfield decision to make as Inter Milan travel to Udinese.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Davide Frattesi has returned to Chivu’s plans after his positive impact off the bench against Lecce.

The former Sassuolo midfielder has not started since December 3, when he featured in the Coppa Italia against Venezia.

In Serie A, he last started on October 4 against Cremonese.

Frattesi also has history on his side.

Udinese remain his favourite opponent. He has scored five goals against the Friulani during his career, a factor the Roman daily highlights when predicting his inclusion.

Udinese Vs Inter – Midfield Dilemma For Chivu As Mkhitaryan, Sucic, Frattesi Fight To Start

Henrikh Mkhitaryan Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Even so, Frattesi’s place is not certain. The real decision sits in midfield. Nicolò Barella is set to play in front of the defence.

Piotr Zielinski will rest with the Arsenal match in mind.

That leaves a straight contest between Petar Sucic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. With Europe approaching, Sucic currently holds the edge. Chivu may instead protect Mkhitaryan’s minutes.

Rotation could extend to defence as well. Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni may sit out. Stefan de Vrij leads the race to step in, ahead of Francesco Acerbi, while Carlos Augusto is also ready.

Out wide, Federico Dimarco should return on the left. Luis Henrique is set to start on the right.