Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu faces crucial midfield decisions ahead of Saturday’s Derby d’Italia clash against Juventus, with Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu both pushing to return.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Nerazzurri’s final training session will be decisive in determining whether the duo can feature.

Both are considered recovered, but match fitness remains the key question.

Barella currently appears the more likely of the two to start.

The former Cagliari midfielder could even be included in the XI from kickoff.

However, the report stresses that all options remain open.

Inter Milan Vs Juventus – Barella & Calhanoglu Recovery Race

Hakan Calhanoglu Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Piotr Zielinski, meanwhile, is expected to retain his place.

The Poland international offers tactical flexibility and can operate either at the base of midfield or as a mezzala.

If one midfield slot remains vacant, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Petar Sucic are the leading candidates to complete the trio.

Elsewhere, no major changes are anticipated from the side that started last weekend’s win over Sassuolo.

Indeed, as Chivu looks to maintain continuity heading into one of the season’s defining fixtures.

Probable Inter XI (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro.