Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella will reportedly start as a deep-lying playmaker in tonight’s clash against Bodo/Glimt.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, the 29-year-old will replace the injured Hakan Calhanoglu.

Nicolo Barella made his return to action last weekend against Juventus following a brief layoff due to a minor knee injury.

However, he picked up a disqualifying yellow card in the second half.

Therefore, he will not be at Cristian Chivu’s disposal for Inter’s next Serie A match against Lecce.

Nicolo Barella to Start in Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan Clash

Nicolo Barella Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Despite making a second-half appearance against Juventus, Hakan Calhanoglu will not feature in tonight’s game.

Indeed, the Turkish midfielder has renewed his long-term muscle problem.

As such, Chivu is poised to use Barella as a deep-lying playmaker, hoping to give Piotr Zielinski some rest.

Despite excelling in Calhanoglu’s absence, the 31-year-old has shouldered a massive workload in recent weeks.

Therefore, Barella is likely to replace him this evening, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Petar Sucic expected to complete the midfield trio.